awesome

[aw-suh m] /ˈɔ səm/
adjective
1.
inspiring an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, or fear; causing or inducing awe:
an awesome sight.
2.
showing or characterized by reverence, admiration, or fear; exhibiting or marked by awe.
3.
Slang. very impressive:
That new white convertible is totally awesome.
Origin
1590-1600; awe + -some1
Related forms
awesomely, adverb
awesomeness, noun
Can be confused
awful, awesome, offal (see usage note at awful)
Usage note
See awful.
Examples from the web for awesome
  • See the awesome destructive power of landslides.
  • You'll get awesome views from the ridge, where you'll also find alpine wildflowers this month.
  • At five feet long, with a five-foot wing span, this has to be the most awesome mailbox on the block.
  • This role reversal is a case study in the awesome power of the partisan mindset.
  • This was truly free trade and it produced the most awesome industrial might in history.
  • Travel around the world to check out some awesome avalanches.
  • And don't forget that nuclear and geothermal power are also just way more awesome than fossil fuels.
  • The sky around here is awesome at night.
  • Thanks for bringing it to our attention, and reminding us what an awesome newspaper we have the pleasure to enjoy.
  • But most will take one look at his awesome truck, his strong hands and his beefy physique, and see all the makings of a hero.
British Dictionary definitions for awesome

awesome

/ˈɔːsəm/
adjective
1.
inspiring or displaying awe
2.
(slang) excellent or outstanding
Derived Forms
awesomely, adverb
awesomeness, noun
Word Origin and History for awesome
adj.

1590s, "profoundly reverential," from awe (n.) + -some (1). Meaning "inspiring awe" is from 1670s; weakened colloquial sense of "impressive, very good" is recorded by 1961 and was in vogue from after c.1980. Related: Awesomely; awesomeness.

Slang definitions & phrases for awesome

awesome

adjective

Excellent; wonderful; outstanding; cool, neat (Teenagers)

interjection

Excellent! Great!: You fixed it? Awesome!