awful (/ˈɔːfʊl/)
adjective · Intermediate · Adjectives
🔊 /ˈɔːfʊl/
Meaning
Meaning: very bad
Very bad or unpleasant; causing dislike or shock.
Examples
🗣 The food at that restaurant was awful, so we will certainly not return there.
Etymology
From ‘awe’ plus ‘-ful’, originally meaning ‘inspiring awe’.
How & Where It’s Used
The meaning shifted from ‘awe-inspiring’ to simply ‘very bad’.
Tags: quality, emphasis