Awful Meaning

Awful

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Extremely bad, unpleasant, or terrible.
2. Inspiring fear, dread, or reverence (archaic usage).
3. Very intense or severe in degree.
4. Used as an intensifier to emphasize something, such as “an awful lot” meaning a large amount.

History and Origin

The word “awful” originates from Middle English awful, which meant “full of awe” or “inspiring reverence or fear.” It is derived from the Old English egefull, meaning “dreadful” or “inspiring fear.” Over time, its meaning shifted from something awe-inspiring or majestic to something extremely bad or unpleasant. This change occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries, leading to its modern negative connotation.

Detailed Explanation

“Awful” is commonly used to describe something very bad, unpleasant, or undesirable, such as awful weather, an awful smell, or an awful experience. It can also indicate something intense, like “awful pain.” Historically, “awful” meant something grand or awe-inspiring, similar to “awesome,” but that meaning is now considered archaic. Additionally, “awful” is sometimes used informally as an intensifier, as in “an awful lot of work,” meaning a great deal of work.

Example Sentences

1. The food at that restaurant was absolutely awful.
2. We had an awful experience during the trip due to bad weather.
3. The awful smell coming from the garbage made everyone leave the room.
4. She felt awful about forgetting her friend’s birthday.
5. The storm caused awful damage to the town.
6. He made an awful mistake that cost the company a lot of money.
7. I have an awful headache that won’t go away.
8. The movie was so awful that we left halfway through.
9. He was in an awful mood after receiving bad news.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Terrible – Extremely bad or unpleasant.
2. Dreadful – Causing fear or extreme dislike.
3. Horrible – Very bad, causing distress or disgust.
4. Atrocious – Shockingly bad or brutal.
5. Appalling – Extremely shocking or horrifying.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Horrendous – Extremely terrible or shocking.
2. Ghastly – Frighteningly bad or unpleasant.
3. Abysmal – Extremely poor in quality.
4. Unpleasant – Not enjoyable or agreeable.
5. Disastrous – Causing great damage or failure.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Awfully – An adverb meaning “very” or “extremely.”
2. Awe-inspiring – Something that causes admiration or amazement (historically related to “awful”).
3. Horrific – Extremely bad or terrifying.
4. Ghastliness – The quality of being shockingly horrible.
5. Doomed – Destined for a terrible fate.

Antonyms

1. Wonderful
2. Pleasant
3. Great
4. Amazing
5. Delightful