Awesomeness

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɔːsəmnəs/

Definitions

1. The quality of being extraordinarily impressive or remarkable, eliciting deep admiration and respect from others
2. A state characterized by exceptional attributes or qualities that inspire awe and evoke strong positive feelings
3. The condition of possessing an impressive or striking excellence that causes amazement and respect

Etymology: "Awesomeness" is a plain compound: the adjective "awesome" with the suffix "-ness", which turns an adjective into a noun naming a quality or state. The suffix has been part of English since Old English, when "-nes" attached to adjectives to form abstract nouns, so "awesomeness" is simply "the quality of being awesome." The interesting part is "awesome" itself. It was built from "awe," which descends from Old English "ege" meaning fear or dread, and it meant "inspiring awe" long before it meant anything casual. For centuries, an awesome thing was one that made you tremble, such as a storm or a divine power. The shift to a general word of approval came only in the twentieth century, so "awesomeness" carries that older sense of overwhelming power alongside the modern enthusiasm.

Synonyms: greatness, magnificence, wonderfulness, excellence, brilliance

Antonyms: mediocrity, inferiority, ordinariness, insignificance, unremarkableness