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awful

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The definition of awful is someone or something that is very displeasing or unpleasant to you.

(adjective)

If during a trip you suffered through sunburn, poison ivy, and the car broke down, that would be an example of an awful trip.

Awful is defined as very much so or extremely.

(adverb)

If someone is really sick that is an example of someone being awful sick.

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See awful in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

inspiring awe; highly impressive
causing fear; terrifying
dreadful; appalling
full of awe; reverential
very bad, ugly, unpleasant, etc.: an awful joke
Informal great: an awful lot of laughing

Origin: ME awful, agheful: see awe & -ful

adverb

Informal very; extremely

Related Forms:

awfulness noun

See awful in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Extremely bad or unpleasant; terrible: had an awful day at the office.
Commanding awe: “this sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath” (Herman Melville).
Filled with awe, especially:
a. Filled with or displaying great reverence.
b. Obsolete Afraid.
Formidable in nature or extent: an awful burden; an awful risk.

adverb
Informal

Extremely; very: was awful sick.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English aweful, awe-inspiring

Origin: , blend of awe, awe; see awe

Origin: , and *ayfull, awful (from Old English egefull : ege, dread + -full, -ful)

.

Related Forms:

awˈful·ly adverb

awˈful·ness noun

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