Awful.
Synonyms:
| alarming, | direful, | frightful, | majestic, | solemn, |
| appalling, | dread, | grand, | noble, | stately, |
| august, | dreadful, | horrible, | portentous, | terrible, |
| dire, | fearful, | imposing, | shocking, | terrific. |
Awful should not be used of things which are merely disagreeable or annoying, nor of all that are alarming and terrible, but only of such as bring a solemn awe upon the soul, as in the presence of a superior power; as, the awful hush before the battle. That which is awful arouses an oppressive, that which is august an admiring reverence; we speak of the august presence of a mighty monarch, the awful presence of death. We speak of an exalted station, a grand mountain, an imposing presence, a majestic cathedral, a noble mien, a solemn litany, a stately march, an august assembly, the awful scene of the Judgment Day.
Antonyms:
| base, | contemptible, | inferior, | paltry, |
| beggarly, | despicable, | lowly, | undignified, |
| commonplace, | humble, | mean, | vulgar. |