awestruck

USAGE SUMMARY

"awestruck" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of great admiration or wonder. For example, "I was awestruck when I saw the grandeur of the Grand Canyon for the first time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Standing beside his leather-clad backing band 3RDEYEGIRL, the diminutive pop maestro thanked London for making him feel "extra loved" and handed out the best British female award to an awestruck Ellie Goulding.

The Guardian - Music

When I first met him, at Serkin's summer-school-cum-festival in Marlboro, Vermont, he was 22, I an awestruck 14.

The Guardian - Music

Dr Gamble is particularly awestruck.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

What message was it meant to convey to an awestruck world?

The Economist

IF THE father of electromagnetism, Michael Faraday, could be transported into the 21st century, he would no doubt be awestruck by the iPhone.

The Economist

Yet this is the image of him that confronts awestruck young women when they travel to the village of Sekigahara in central Japan.There, in 1600, Tokugawa used brilliant tactics—and treachery to win the deciding battle in a civil war that enabled him to found a 265-year ruling dynasty.

The Economist

Another border town under its control has been renamed the "emirate of Jarablus", complete with a religious school and posters extolling the virtue of the full veil for women.Other rebels have always been wary of ISIS, but are awestruck by its fighting prowess.

The Economist

One of his parties lasted five days and was described by an awestruck reporter as "the most extravagant event in European history".

The Economist

He is always nibbling chocolates, loves trashy television and appears awestruck by a popular novelist or a rock star.

The Economist

KALMAN SZABADI was an awestruck ten-year-old when he first saw a Zeppelin airship floating over Csepel island on the Danube in 1931.

The Economist

At their first meeting in 1941 he found him at his desk making drawings on a little scroll of paper, and was invited, awestruck as he was, to sit down opposite and do the same.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "awestruck" to describe a feeling of profound reverence and wonder, often in response to something magnificent or powerful.

Common error

Avoid using "awestruck" for mild surprise; reserve it for situations that genuinely inspire deep admiration or wonder. Otherwise, consider using alternatives like "impressed" or "intrigued".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "awestruck" is as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe someone or something filled with awe and wonder. Ludwig shows examples of it describing people or their reactions to impressive sights or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "awestruck" describes a state of being filled with awe and wonder, typically in response to something impressive or sublime. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news media and encyclopedic writing. When using "awestruck", ensure it aligns with the intensity of the experience you're describing, reserving it for genuinely profound moments. Alternatives like "amazed" or "impressed" may be more appropriate for milder reactions. The examples illustrate a wide range of applications, from describing reactions to natural wonders to artistic performances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filled with awe

Focuses on the feeling of awe as the primary emotion.

amazed

A more general term for surprise and wonder.

in wonder

Emphasizes the state of being filled with wonder.

struck with wonder

Highlights the sudden impact of wonder.

impressed

Indicates a feeling of admiration and respect.

spellbound

Suggests being captivated and entranced.

mesmerized

Implies being completely captivated.

overwhelmed with admiration

Highlights the intensity of positive feelings.

filled with amazement

Highlights the feeling of amazement.

deeply impressed

Emphasizes the intensity of being impressed.

FAQs

How can I use "awestruck" in a sentence?

You can use "awestruck" to describe someone who is filled with a sense of reverence and wonder. For example, "The tourists were "awestruck" by the sight of the Grand Canyon."

What words are similar to "awestruck"?

Alternatives to "awestruck" include "amazed", "spellbound", or "mesmerized". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "awestruck" formal or informal?

"Awestruck" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more appropriate when describing profound experiences. In casual conversation, simpler words like "impressed" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "awestruck" and "impressed"?

"Awestruck" implies a deeper level of wonder and reverence than "impressed". While impressed suggests admiration, awestruck suggests a feeling of being overwhelmed by something magnificent.