awful

English

/ˈɔːfʊl/, /ˈɔfəl/, /ˈɑfəl/

adj
Definitions
  • Very bad.
  • Exceedingly great; usually applied intensively.
  • (now) Causing fear or horror; appalling, terrible.
  • (now) Inspiring awe; filling with profound reverence or respect; profoundly impressive.
  • (now) Struck or filled with awe.
  • (obsolete) Terror-stricken.
  • Worshipful; reverential; law-abiding.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English agheful suffix from English awe.

Origin

English

awe

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms