intense awe

USAGE SUMMARY

"intense awe" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a strong feeling of admiration or wonder, often in response to something impressive or beautiful. Example: "Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, I felt an intense awe at the vastness of the landscape." Alternative expressions include "profound admiration" and "deep reverence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Meeting the African megafauna in the flesh, as we might put it, tends to produce something unusual: a sort of intense awe, which is more than fascination (although that's part of it), and more than fear (which can be part of it too); it's an awe that tends towards reverence.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

No, in fact, there is no word that I know of, that justly describes the intense, awe-inspiring beauty of the landscape.

Huffington Post

There were moments of intense fear, danger, confusion and sometimes even awe.

Huffington Post

Going to see a musical by Stillpointe Theatre Initiative is something like seeing a date night romantic comedy directed by Quentin Tarantino: What could be boring and fluffy turns into a totally thrilling, intense and awe-inspiring experience.

Los Angeles Times

It's pretty much unanimously agreed that the interactive video for Bob Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone" is the most expansive, intense, and awe-striking video of the year (16 videos wrapped into one?! A Danny Brown cameo?! ).

Vice

At the core of its appeal is a knack for crafty design, inspiring a sense of enchantment and awe — intense and engaging.

The New York Times

For Edmund Burke, the sublime is an intense emotion of awe and terror, for Immanuel Kant it involves the "mind surpassing every standard of sense", for Jean-Francois Lyotard it is the unpresentable itself.

The Guardian - Film

There was no celebration, just awe, for intense gratitude left us speechless.

Huffington Post

Until the day I die I will look at my daughter with intense love and absolute awe, because she is my world.

Huffington Post

For better or worse, I spend most of my life around celebrities, and at this point in the game I rarely feel that intense combination of shock and awe when I have to introduce myself to somebody who I've known from the other side of the screen all my life.

Huffington Post

Much like religion, sports are structured activities with ceremonies and heroic forms, carried out with intense concentration in spaces that inspire awe and reverence.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intense awe" to describe a feeling that combines wonder, respect, and sometimes a hint of fear or being overwhelmed. It's stronger than simple admiration.

Common error

Avoid using "intense awe" when a simpler term like "admiration" or "fascination" would suffice. The phrase should be reserved for genuinely profound experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense awe" functions as a noun phrase that describes a strong emotion. It modifies a noun, adding detail about the specific kind of awe experienced. As Ludwig explains, it's a feeling that combines admiration, wonder, and sometimes a touch of fear.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intense awe" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a strong feeling of wonder, respect, and sometimes fear. As Ludwig indicates, it's more than just simple admiration; it's a profound emotional reaction. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, highlighting its applicability in describing impactful events or experiences. Consider alternatives like "deep reverence" or "profound wonder" depending on the specific context. While "awe" often implies intensity, using the adjective "intense" underscores the overwhelming nature of the experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep reverence

Emphasizes respect and solemnity, shifting the focus from awe to a more reverential sentiment.

profound wonder

Highlights the feeling of amazement and curiosity, downplaying the intensity aspect.

overwhelming admiration

Focuses specifically on admiration, removing the element of fear or respect that can accompany awe.

powerful admiration

Directly emphasizes the strength and force of admiration felt.

consuming amazement

Stresses the captivating nature of the experience, making the amazement all-encompassing.

absolute astonishment

Conveys a complete state of surprise and wonder, potentially lacking the depth of "awe".

intense respect

Centers on the feeling of high regard and esteem, omitting the element of wonder.

deep fascination

Highlights the captivating and absorbing nature of the subject, softening the intensity.

extreme wonder

Focuses on the sense of wonder, amplifying its impact but potentially minimizing the emotional depth.

great veneration

Highlights respect and honor, moving away from feelings of shock or surprise.

FAQs

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

You might say, "She gazed at the star-filled sky with "intense awe"," to convey a feeling of wonder and reverence.

What is a good alternative to "intense awe"?

Consider using phrases like "deep reverence", "profound wonder", or "overwhelming admiration" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "intense awe"? Isn't awe always intense?

While awe often implies intensity, using ""intense awe"" can emphasize the extreme depth and overwhelming nature of the feeling, particularly when the source of awe is exceptionally powerful or significant.

What's the difference between "intense awe" and "intense fear"?

"Intense awe" combines wonder, respect, and sometimes a bit of fear, usually directed at something grand or powerful. "Intense fear", on the other hand, is a feeling of alarm or dread in the face of perceived danger.