rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryaweWonder and reverence
noun / verb

awe

AW/ɔː/

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

The visitor looks up at the towering redwood in awe.

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.
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.

In context

Vid Sets2:38
Baroque architecture is all about creating a sense of awe and wonder it's about making a grand statement and it's about evoking powerful emotional responses
Baroque Architecture: A Comprehensive Guide

More examples

  • The performance awed the audience.
  • She felt awe before the vast landscape.
  • They stood in quiet awe.

Forms

awe · awes · awed · awing

Similar words

wonder
Wonder need not include reverence or fear.
reverence
Reverence emphasizes deep respect rather than astonishment.