Maia K.
Grade 7, Age: 12 and ¾ :) hehe
Composition
Unit 3, Definition Essay
256 words - you squeaked it in! :)
What is Awesome?
“I just won an awesome prize!” “Look at this awesome t-shirt I bought!” “That’s such an awesome gift.” What do these phrases have in common? They all use the adjective “awesome.” But what could possibly be so special about such an ordinary word? “Awesome” actually has two meanings; something that causes fear and wonder, and something that is especially excellent.
The more commonly used of these two definitions is “especially excellent.” “Awesome” is often used to describe a remarkable event, an amazing person, or a wonderful item. This definition of the word is used so often that it has almost no meaning, or a universal, watered-down definition. Over the years, this meaning has been modified from the original definition of “awesome.” But what is the original meaning?
When “awesome” was first used in the 1590s, it was meant to describe something that inspired feelings of respect or reverence. By the 1670s, something that was “awesome” inspired feelings of awe, which is a noun meaning feelings of fear, respect, and wonder. The definition “very good” was known to be used by the 1960s. It also appeared in Vogue magazine in the 1980s.
Like most words, “awesome” has a unique and interesting history behind its meaning. Perhaps you, and many other people, will take into consideration the fact that it is used so often that it has become weak and can sometimes be seen as meaningless. “Awesome” is not meaningless, however. Next time you use it, stop to think about the true meaning of this truly awesome word!
Works Cited
“Awesome.” Merriam-Webster. <https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awesome>
“’Awesome’ vs. ‘Awful’.” English Language & Usage. <https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/6802/awesome-vs-awful>
“Etymology of the English word awesome.” MyEtymology. <https://www.myetymology.com/english/awesome.html>
“Awe.” Online Etymology Dictionary. 2001-2013 <https://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=awe>
“Awesome.” Online Etymology Dictionary. 2001-2013 <https://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=awesome&searchmode=none>
“Awe.” <Merriam-Webster. <https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awe>
Grade 7, Age: 12 and ¾ :) hehe
Composition
Unit 3, Definition Essay
256 words - you squeaked it in! :)
What is Awesome?
“I just won an awesome prize!” “Look at this awesome t-shirt I bought!” “That’s such an awesome gift.” What do these phrases have in common? They all use the adjective “awesome.” But what could possibly be so special about such an ordinary word? “Awesome” actually has two meanings; something that causes fear and wonder, and something that is especially excellent.
The more commonly used of these two definitions is “especially excellent.” “Awesome” is often used to describe a remarkable event, an amazing person, or a wonderful item. This definition of the word is used so often that it has almost no meaning, or a universal, watered-down definition. Over the years, this meaning has been modified from the original definition of “awesome.” But what is the original meaning?
When “awesome” was first used in the 1590s, it was meant to describe something that inspired feelings of respect or reverence. By the 1670s, something that was “awesome” inspired feelings of awe, which is a noun meaning feelings of fear, respect, and wonder. The definition “very good” was known to be used by the 1960s. It also appeared in Vogue magazine in the 1980s.
Like most words, “awesome” has a unique and interesting history behind its meaning. Perhaps you, and many other people, will take into consideration the fact that it is used so often that it has become weak and can sometimes be seen as meaningless. “Awesome” is not meaningless, however. Next time you use it, stop to think about the true meaning of this truly awesome word!
Works Cited
“Awesome.” Merriam-Webster. <https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awesome>
“’Awesome’ vs. ‘Awful’.” English Language & Usage. <https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/6802/awesome-vs-awful>
“Etymology of the English word awesome.” MyEtymology. <https://www.myetymology.com/english/awesome.html>
“Awe.” Online Etymology Dictionary. 2001-2013 <https://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=awe>
“Awesome.” Online Etymology Dictionary. 2001-2013 <https://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=awesome&searchmode=none>
“Awe.” <Merriam-Webster. <https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awe>