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adj. 1. Extremely bad or unpleasant; terrible: had an awful day at the office. 2. Commanding awe: "this sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath" (Herman Melville). 3. Filled with awe, especially: a. Filled with or displaying great reverence. b. Obsolete Afraid. 4. Formidable in nature or extent: an awful burden; an awful risk. adv. Informal Extremely; very: was awful sick. [Middle English aweful, awe-inspiring, blend of awe, awe; see AWE, and *ayfull, awful (from Old English egefull : ege, dread + -full, -ful).] awful·ly adv. awful·ness n. |
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