awesome fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awesome fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of fear that is intense and awe-inspiring, often in contexts related to thrilling experiences or emotions. Example: "As I stood at the edge of the cliff, I felt an awesome fear wash over me, a mix of exhilaration and dread."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

(Desired virtue: a Holy and awesome fear of the Lord).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Opening Mexico," Julia Preston and Samuel Dillon's sweeping account of a nation's struggle for democracy, takes this tale as emblematic of power in Mexico, "of jealous violence countered by vengeance; of mob insurrection quelled by the ascent of a single awesome ruler, more feared than loved".

The New York Times - Books

Even writing this, I fear sounding awesome -- like, "Oh darn, I am so hot like a famous singer".

Huffington Post

He believes that if the free world unites in condemnation of you it is because they fear the awesome truth in your words.

Vice

The power of being a boss is an awesome responsibility, and I feared it a bit when I first became a boss.

The New York Times

The brothers were not only among the most feared and awesome figures in their father's rule, but also the symbols of its future.

The New York Times

We split – amicably – when he was a month old and there was this awesome responsibility but this huge fear, all this frustration and anger that I couldn't let that slip at home when I was singing ABC to him, so I had to have somewhere to put it – and acting was a great place to work out being an adult.

The Guardian - Film

People are under his firm control out of fear of his awesome might; no one is free.

Huffington Post

He conquered his fears, which was awesome".

Wikipedia

Sometimes expressing your feelings, frustrations, and fears can be awesome!

WikiHow

Although in the 21st century the term awe and awesome are used colloquially to connote amazement and admiration historically these words communicated feelings of powerlessness, fear and dread.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "awesome fear" to describe a situation or entity that evokes both profound respect and apprehension, such as a powerful natural phenomenon or a formidable leader. It is most effective in contexts where both emotions are strongly present.

Common error

Avoid using "awesome fear" to describe mild anxieties or everyday concerns. The phrase carries a weight that is inappropriate for trivial situations; reserve it for experiences that genuinely inspire a sense of awe and trepidation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awesome fear" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "awesome" modifies the noun "fear". The adjective intensifies the feeling of fear, suggesting a sense of dread and amazement combined. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "awesome fear" describes a distinct emotion blending dread with a sense of awe or respect. While grammatically correct, as noted by Ludwig, its usage is relatively rare. It's best suited for contexts where an experience evokes both significant fear and admiration or wonder. Related phrases such as "awe-inspiring dread" offer similar but nuanced expressions. Using "awesome fear" appropriately enhances the impact of your writing by accurately conveying this complex emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awe-inspiring dread

Replaces "awesome fear" with a more formal and intense expression conveying a sense of fear mixed with profound respect.

terrifying awe

Emphasizes the fear aspect while maintaining the awe component, inverting the original phrase's focus.

dreadful wonder

Highlights the feeling of dread while still acknowledging a sense of wonder or amazement.

reverential terror

Combines reverence and terror, suggesting fear stemming from respect or admiration.

frightening admiration

Focuses on the fear induced by something admirable, shifting the emphasis.

awe mixed with trepidation

Uses a more descriptive and elaborate structure to convey both feelings.

fearful amazement

Highlights the amazement aspect influenced by fear, rather than the other way around.

intimidating grandeur

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of something that inspires fear.

spine-chilling admiration

Adds a vivid, physical sensation to the feeling of admiration mixed with fear.

daunting respect

Emphasizes the respect that is tinged with a sense of being daunted or intimidated.

FAQs

How can I use "awesome fear" in a sentence?

You can use "awesome fear" to describe a feeling of intense dread mixed with respect or amazement. For example: "The explorer felt an "awesome fear" as he stood before the towering glacier."

What phrases are similar to "awesome fear"?

Alternatives to "awesome fear" include phrases like "awe-inspiring dread", "terrifying awe", or "reverential terror", which all convey a mix of fear and respect.

Is "awesome fear" the same as "simple fear"?

"Awesome fear" is not the same as "simple fear". The former implies a deeper, more profound emotion that combines dread with respect or amazement, while the latter simply indicates a basic feeling of being afraid.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "awesome fear"?

It's appropriate to use "awesome fear" when describing situations that evoke both a sense of dread and a feeling of being impressed or amazed. This could be in the context of nature, power, or overwhelming circumstances.