American English

How to pronounce awe

noun · verbB2
AW

/ɔ/

One syllable.

A powerful feeling of wonder and respect, often caused by something beautiful, powerful, or much larger than usual.

What to listen for

Awe is commonly pronounced /ɔ/, but many American speakers use /ɑ/ because they pronounce the vowels in cot and caught alike.

Usual American pronunciation/ɔ/
Common alternate/ɑ/
Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

noun

A powerful feeling of wonder and respect, often caused by something beautiful, powerful, or much larger than usual.

The view of the mountains filled us with awe.

She looked at the ancient temple in awe.

Good to know

Awe is not simply fear; it often includes admiration.

Common phrases & grammar

a sense of awe · feel a deep sense of awe · awe and wonder · stand in awe

be/stand in awe of + person or thing

fill someone with awe

verbless common

To make someone feel great wonder and respect.

The huge waterfall awed the visitors.

We were awed by the strength of the storm.

Common phrases & grammar

awe visitors · awe the audience · be awed by nature

awe + person

be awed by + person or thing

Useful expressions

in awe of

feeling great wonder and respect for someone or something

The children were in awe of the giant dinosaur.

stand in awe of

to feel awe while looking at someone or something

We stood in awe of the canyon.

Related words & forms