adj.
Pronunciation: ' o ̇ -f ə l
Function: adjective
Date: 13th century
1 : inspiring awe
2 : filled with awe: as a obsolete : AFRAID , TERRIFIED b : deeply respectful or reverential
3 : extremely disagreeable or objectionable < awful food>
4 : exceedingly great ― used as an intensive <an awful lot of money>
– aw · ful · ly \ ' o ̇ -f ə -l ē , esp as adv of adj senses 3 & 4 -fl ē \ adverb
– aw · ful · ness \ -f ə l-n ə s \ noun
usage Many grammarians take issue with the senses of awful and awfully that do not convey the etymological connection with awe. However, senses 3 and 4 of the adjective were used in speech and casual writing by the late 18th century <it is an awful while since you have heard from me ― John Keats (letter)> <there was an awful crowd ― Sir Walter Scott (letter)> <this is an awful thing to say to oil painters ― William Blake>. Adverbial use of awful as an intensifier began to appear in print in the early 19th century, as did the senses of awfully corresponding to senses 3 and 4 of the adjective. Both adverbs remain in widespread use <a sad state of affairs and awful tough on art ― H. L. Mencken> <the awfully rich young American ― Henry James> <decided to play it so awfully safe ― A. M. Schlesinger b 1917>.