held in awe

USAGE SUMMARY

"held in awe" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is respected and admired due to their authority, reputation, or achievements. Example: The professor was held in awe by the students in her class.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Among the American political establishment, there is no doubt, he is held in awe, reverence even.

Independent

Darwin was held in awe by many, the more so because he was rarely seen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet he is held in awe by his party and broadcasters alike.

The Guardian - Opinion

She was held in awe by fellow students in high school.

The New York Times - Arts

Unlike a celebrity, though, Olympians are heroes, held in awe for their exceptional abilities.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If his compositions were popular, his pianism was held in awe.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

To which we say: the human imagination is all we need to hold in awe.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sublime sister works that we hold in awe are the final movements of Beethoven's Sonatas Opp 109 and 111.

The Guardian - Books

Sublime sister works that we hold in awe are the final movements of Beethoven's Sonatas Opp 109 and 111.

The Guardian - Books

He will not, however, have to familiarize himself with England's stars, whom he plays against weekly and respects but no longer holds in awe.

The New York Times - Sports

And with Apple's iTunes Music Store accounting for 80% of legal music downloads, the Californian company now has a brand that marketers hold in awe.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "held in awe" to describe individuals or entities that command significant respect and admiration due to exceptional qualities or achievements. For instance, "The scientific community held Marie Curie in awe for her groundbreaking research."

Common error

Avoid using "held in awe" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase carries a weight of respect and admiration that may seem out of place in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held in awe" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject receives the action of being regarded with profound respect and admiration. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's proper usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

12%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "held in awe" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something or someone regarded with deep respect and admiration. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears predominantly in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic contexts, signifying its use in formal and neutral registers. The phrase is deemed "Correct", with a source quality score of 87, affirming its credibility and reliability. When writing, avoid using "held in awe" in informal contexts. Instead, consider related alternatives like "highly respected", "greatly admired", or "deeply revered", depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. The phrase's frequency indicates that it is not rare, so it could be replaced by one of the alternatives, making your text more original.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply revered

Highlights reverence, intensifying the feeling of respect.

regarded with veneration

Emphasizes the feeling of deep respect and honor.

venerated figure

Implies a person who is greatly respected.

highly respected

Focuses on the respect aspect, omitting the element of awe.

treated with reverence

Focuses on the act of treating someone with deep respect.

held in high regard

Suggests a formal respect and esteem.

greatly admired

Emphasizes admiration, downplaying the sense of reverence.

commanded respect

Indicates an ability to inspire respect, often through authority.

looked up to

Conveys a sense of admiration, often from a subordinate perspective.

inspired admiration

Highlights the act of inspiring admiration in others.

FAQs

How can I use "held in awe" in a sentence?

You can use "held in awe" to describe someone or something that is greatly respected and admired. For example, "The professor was "held in awe" by his students because of his extensive knowledge and engaging teaching style."

What's the difference between "held in awe" and "held in respect"?

"Held in respect" implies admiration and consideration, while ""held in awe"" suggests a deeper sense of wonder and reverence, often due to exceptional qualities or achievements.

What are some synonyms for "held in awe"?

Synonyms for "held in awe" include "greatly admired", "highly respected", and "deeply revered", each carrying slightly different nuances of respect and admiration.

Is it appropriate to use "held in awe" in formal writing?

Yes, "held in awe" is suitable for formal writing when describing individuals or entities that command significant respect and admiration. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and biographical accounts.