Main Entry: ¹aw·ful

Pronunciation: \ˈȯ-fəl\

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 \ˈȯ-fə-lē, especially as adv of adjective senses 3 & 4 -flē\ adverb

— aw·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ 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 b1917>.