AWFUL

I. adjective Date: 13th century inspiring awe, filled with awe: as, afraid , terrified, deeply respectful or reverential, extremely disagreeable or objectionable , exceedingly great, ~ly adverb ~ness noun Usage: Many grammarians take issue with the senses of ~ and ~ly 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 . Adverbial use of ~ as an intensifier began to appear in print in the early 19th century, as did the senses of ~ly corresponding to senses 3 and 4 of the adjective. Both adverbs remain in widespread use . II. adverb Date: 1818 very , extremely