awed

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "awed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of amazement or wonder, often in response to something impressive or beautiful. Example: "The audience was awed by the breathtaking performance of the dancers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

So I went along (to a Shoreditch coffee shop) in the spirit of a person who isn't meeting the person they wanted to meet, and was awed by Caballero.

The Guardian

But lyrics too remained an influence and inspiration: Iain was endlessly and avowedly awed by the invention and verbal wit of Clive James's songwriting with Pete Atkins.

The Guardian - Books

At their worst they have been utterly awed by the occasion, notably on the first day at The Gabba and on the last day at Adelaide.

The Guardian - Sport

I stood by him transfixed and awed that he possessed the knowledge and the talent to paint the finishing touches on the corpse's lips.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She had presumably been awed by my Führer 's aura.

The Economist

They awed him.

The Economist

Marco Polo was awed by its scale in the 13th century.

The Economist

THE British attitude to America tends to oscillate between snootiness and awed self-deprecation.

The Economist

From 1411 to 1430, when the Ming dynasty "treasure fleets" of the eunuch Zheng He shocked and awed Ceylon, Hormuz and east Africa, another eunuch commander, Yishiha, took several expeditions down what the Chinese call the Heilongjiang, or Black Dragon river.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

At the Oscars, she never had that look of being cowed or over-awed by all the pomp and pageantry.

The Guardian - Film

In both cases, superior arms and training quickly over-awed ill-disciplined opponents.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "awed" to describe a feeling of deep respect mixed with wonder, often when encountering something majestic, impressive, or sublime. This word effectively conveys a sense of being overwhelmed in a positive way.

Common error

Avoid using "awed" when simply describing something you like. "Awed" implies a sense of profound respect and wonder, not just mild appreciation. Save it for truly impressive or extraordinary experiences.

Linguistic Context

Awed primarily functions as a verb, often in its past participle form. It describes the state of being filled with awe or deep respect and wonder. Ludwig provides examples where "awed" depicts a strong emotional response to something impressive, aligning with its dictionary definition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "awed" effectively conveys a sense of profound respect and wonder. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in News & Media contexts. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for descriptive and reportorial writing. When using "awed", ensure it accurately reflects a feeling of deep admiration, not just simple liking. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various reputable sources, affirming its validity and versatility in expressing a powerful emotional response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amazed by

A simpler, more direct synonym for "awed".

impressed greatly

Highlights the positive impact and respect gained.

deeply impressed

Highlights the positive impact and strong admiration.

struck with admiration

Focuses on the sudden feeling of respect and approval.

filled with wonder

Emphasizes the feeling of amazement and astonishment.

overwhelmed by admiration

Suggests a stronger, more intense feeling of awe.

astonished by

Focuses on the surprise element of the amazement.

filled with reverence

Emphasizes the deep respect and solemn admiration.

captivated by

Highlights the charm or attractiveness of the subject causing the amazement.

taken aback by

Suggests a surprised and slightly shocked reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "awed" in a sentence?

You can use "awed" to describe a feeling of deep respect and wonder. For example, "The audience was "awed" by the orchestra's performance".

What are some alternatives to the word "awed"?

Alternatives include "amazed", "astonished", or "impressed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am awed by" or "I am awed at"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "I am awed by" is more common and natural. "Awed at" is less frequently used but can still be appropriate depending on the context.

What's the difference between "awed" and "inspired"?

"Awed" implies a sense of deep respect and wonder, while "inspired" suggests a feeling of motivation and creativity. You might be "awed" by the Grand Canyon, but "inspired" by a motivational speaker.