Word
awesome
Phoneticsawe·some, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɑsəm/
UK/ˈɔːsʌm/
Definitions
01excellent or great
A2 · Elementary Informal
adj. very good, impressive, or enjoyable. You use this when you are excited about something.
adj. used as a general superlative to indicate excellence or high quality. Highly informal in register and common in spoken English.
“The concert last night was awesome and we had a great time.”
“The special effects in the latest blockbuster were truly awesome, though the plot itself was somewhat predictable.”
Usage
Commonly used as a one-word response to show agreement or excitement.
Teaching tip
In modern conversation, this is a very common 'filler' word for anything positive; students should be careful not to use it in formal academic writing.
02inspiring awe or power
C1 · Advanced Literary · Formal
adj. something so big, powerful, or beautiful that it makes you feel a little bit of fear or deep respect.
adj. inspiring awe; characterized by a quality that inspires profound admiration, reverence, or fear.
“The view from the top of the mountain was awesome and silent.”
“The explorers stood in silence before the awesome power of the waterfall, feeling small against the scale of the natural world.”
Usage
Often used to describe nature, vast landscapes, or divine power.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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