The Origin Of The Word Awful
Many words have not stood the test of time. Over long periods of time some words have changed and been formed to have a new meaning. Some of these words earlier meanings would surprise you in how drastically they have changed. The etymology of the word “awful” made me curious to why it has changed from meaning “full of awe” to “very bad.”
The word “awful” originally meant “full of awe.” This definition makes since to us because “awe” is imbedded in the word “awful.” In the 13th century “awful” was used to describe something worthy of respect or fear. The word originally had this meaning from the Old English aghe meaning “awe.” Since awe starts off the word “awful” it would make since that the definition of “awful” include the meaning of awe.
The word “awful” originally meant “full of awe.” This definition makes since to us because “awe” is imbedded in the word “awful.” In the 13th century “awful” was used to describe something worthy of respect or fear. The word originally had this meaning from the Old English aghe meaning “awe.” Since awe starts off the word “awful” it would make since that the definition of “awful” include the meaning of awe.