Awe is a strong feeling of wonder mixed with respect or fear, often caused by something very large, powerful, or beautiful. To awe someone is to fill them with this feeling.
From Old Norse “agi,” meaning “fear” or “terror,” which blended into Old English. Over time, the feeling shifted from mostly fear to a mix of fear and admiration.
The word reminds us that some of our deepest “wow” moments carry a little fear inside them. Standing at the edge of a cliff or under a huge sky is both amazing and slightly terrifying—that’s awe.
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