Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈɔːfʊl/

Definitions

• Extremely bad or unpleasant; causing horror, dread, or revulsion.
• Used to describe something of very poor quality or a negative experience.
• In older usage, meant "inspiring awe" or "worthy of reverence," though this meaning is largely obsolete.

Usage Examples

• The food at the restaurant was awful, and we couldn't finish our meals.
• The weather was awful, with heavy rain and strong winds.
• That was an awful decision, and it led to many problems.

Etymology

The word 'awful' originally came from the Old English word 'egefull,' which meant 'full of awe.' It was used to describe things that inspired reverence or fear. Over time, its meaning shifted, and by the 17th century, 'awful' began to be used to describe something that was unpleasant, shocking, or terrible. The original sense of "awe-inspiring" became obsolete, and 'awful' now primarily refers to negative qualities.

Synonyms

• Terrible
• Horrible
• Atrocious
• Dreadful
• Appalling
• Abysmal
• Unpleasant
• Shocking

Antonyms

• Wonderful
• Great
• Excellent
• Fantastic
• Delightful
• Pleasant

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "awful" is generally consistent in most English dialects, though regional accents may affect the vowel sounds. In American English, the "aw" sound may be pronounced as a more rounded "ah," while in British English, it may be more clipped. In some accents, the second syllable may be pronounced more softly, almost as a schwa.

Historical Usage

Historically, "awful" meant "inspiring awe" or "worthy of reverence," as in something grand or magnificent. This sense of the word can still be found in older texts. Over time, however, the word shifted its meaning to refer to something that evokes dread or disgust, particularly by the 17th century. Today, "awful" is more commonly used in its modern sense, meaning something very bad or unpleasant.

Cultural Nuances

In modern colloquial usage, "awful" is almost always used in a negative sense to describe something bad or unpleasant. However, in some cultures, it can carry a slightly more severe implication, referring not just to poor quality but to something that evokes strong negative emotions, such as fear or shock. In casual speech, especially in the United States, the word is frequently used in hyperbolic ways, such as "That was an awful movie!" to mean "That movie was very bad."

More Information

While 'awful' has shifted significantly in its meaning, it remains a commonly used adjective in everyday speech. It is important to distinguish between its historical and modern meanings, as its use can vary depending on the context. Today, "awful" is most often used to express disapproval or discomfort, but it retains a historical sense of awe in certain literary or poetic contexts, though this usage is rare.