abject awe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abject awe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a profound and overwhelming sense of admiration or reverence, often mixed with fear or respect. Example: "As she stood before the ancient ruins, she felt a sense of abject awe at the history that surrounded her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you've followed The White Stripes from the beginning, you've noticed that the only quality that exceeds the endearing geeky bossiness he shows around women is an abject awe that appears to motivate every Hall of Fame thought that pours through his guitar or drums or choices as a writer/producer.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Abject fear supersedes their monetary losses.

The New York Times

This is about abject fear".

The New York Times

Unparalleled excitement and abject fear.

Huffington Post

As shock and awe in face of the abject showing gave way to anger, smashing up things seemed like a better option than following the lead of the team and simply do nothing.

The Guardian - Sport

"There are times when I'm concerned about Toph's expression when I'm really singing, with vibrato and all, singing the guitar parts and everything - an expression that to the untrained eye might look like abject terror, or revulsion - but I know well enough that it is awe".

The Guardian - Books

Of all the abject illusions!

The New Yorker

But awe?

The New York Times - Arts

That was abject cowardice".

The New Yorker

In awe.

Independent

Breakfast was abject.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abject awe" to specifically describe a feeling of admiration mixed with a sense of humility or even fear, especially when encountering something powerful, sublime, or historically significant.

Common error

Avoid using "abject awe" to describe simple admiration or liking. The phrase carries a weight of reverence and respect, making it unsuitable for everyday appreciation. For more common situations, consider alternatives like "great admiration" or "deep respect".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abject awe" functions as a noun phrase expressing a powerful emotion. As Ludwig AI suggests, it signifies a mix of profound respect, admiration, and even fear. The example provided indicates its use to describe motivation or intense feelings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abject awe" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, albeit somewhat rare. As Ludwig AI indicates, it expresses a blend of admiration, respect, and a sense of being overwhelmed. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it is best employed to describe profound emotional responses rather than everyday appreciation. Alternatives such as "profound reverence" or "overwhelming respect" can be used depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. It's crucial to reserve "abject awe" for situations that genuinely evoke a deep sense of respect and humility to maintain its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound reverence

Replaces "abject" with "profound" to emphasize the depth of respect while maintaining a formal tone.

deep admiration

Focuses on the positive aspect of admiration, omitting the element of fear or dread.

overwhelming respect

Highlights the intensity of respect felt, using more common vocabulary.

utter amazement

Emphasizes surprise and wonder, suitable when the context involves astonishment.

complete fascination

Indicates a captivating interest, which might be less intense than "abject awe".

intense wonder

Focuses solely on the feeling of wonder, potentially diminishing the sense of respect or fear.

reverential fear

Inverts the structure to emphasize the fear aspect, which can be more fitting in specific scenarios.

awed respect

Combines both feelings in a concise way, reducing the intensity.

deep respect mixed with fear

Elaborates on the dual nature of the emotion, providing more clarity but less impact.

humble admiration

Highlights the sense of humility experienced when admiring something or someone.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "abject awe" in a sentence?

Use "abject awe" to describe a profound feeling of reverence, respect, and sometimes fear. For example: "She stood in "abject awe" before the ancient monument."

What are some alternatives to "abject awe"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "abject awe" include "profound reverence", "deep admiration", or "overwhelming respect".

In what kind of situation is it appropriate to use "abject awe"?

Use "abject awe" when describing a feeling of deep respect mingled with a sense of being humbled or overwhelmed, often in the face of something majestic, powerful, or historically significant.

Is "abject awe" a common phrase in everyday conversation?

No, "abject awe" is not a common phrase in everyday conversation. It's more suitable for formal writing or when describing intense emotional experiences. You may want to prefer some alternatives in less formal contexts.