agi

fright

1 / 1

A lone visitor stands at the base of a towering ancient redwood, looking upward with widened eyes, parted lips and a still, slightly drawn-back posture that conveys wonder mingled with reverence and a little fear.

noun / verb

awe

AW/ɔː/

Deep wonder mixed with respect or fear, or to inspire this feeling.

Etymology

aweOld Norsefright

Awe comes from a Scandinavian word for fright, such as Old Norse agi. Biblical use for the feeling inspired by God helped turn fear into the mixture of dread, admiration, and reverence.

Full entry

agi

awe

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