awed
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of awed
Explanation
When you're awed by something, you're amazed and maybe a little bit intimidated by it. The first time kids see a fireworks display, they're often awed by it. The first time you visit a big city, you might wander around looking up at the skyscrapers with an awed expression on your face. When you're awed, you're full of wonder that's tinged with fear or confusion. It's generally big, impressive things that leave you awed. A new father holding his baby might be awed, for example. Awed comes from awe, "amazement," which has a Scandinavian root and is related to the Old Norse word agi, or "fright."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“He started building this world when he was 14,” she says, still a little awed by his confidence.
From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026
Lawrence’s childhood home—the narrator is awed and cowed by the impossibly delicate stemware and casual references to “Finnegan’s Wake.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 2025
I was awed by her maturity and grace.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2025
Millions were awed by his award show performances, bought his albums, flaunted his fashions and allowed all that to distract us from the warning signs that seeped into plain view and were ignored.
From Salon • Jan. 27, 2025
Like the tourists at the solstice today, visitors came to this empire of appearances to be dazzled and awed.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
