Awing

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. Causing a sense of deep wonder or amazement ; serving to inspire strong admiration ; creating conditions that fill observers with awe
  2. Instilling a powerful feeling of reverence ; prompting those who witness to experience astonishment ; generating an atmosphere charged with respect and wonder
  3. Evoking intense admiration or awe ; making people marvel in breathless wonder ; producing a profoundly impressive effect on those who observe

Etymology: The noun that corresponds to the feeling or action suggested by "awing" is quite unusual and not commonly attested in English. Its form suggests it would derive from the verb "to awe," which itself entered English in the late Middle Ages. "Awe" originally meant a mix of fear, reverence, and wonder, coming from Old English "ege" or "egeful," connected to feelings of terror or dread. If "awing" were to exist as a noun, it would likely mean the state or quality of inspiring awe, formed by adding the suffix "-ing" to "awe." However, this is not a standard nominal form in English; instead, the noun "awe" itself serves that purpose. The "-ing" suffix typically forms present participles or gerunds from verbs, but "awe" is primarily a noun and a verb with a distinctive root, so "awing" as a noun is not part of established usage. The word "awe" dates back to around the 13th century and has roots in Old Norse "agi," meaning fear or terror. Over time, the strong sense of fear softened into a more complex emotion that blends respect and wonder, especially in religious or sublime contexts. The verb form "to awe" emerged later, and from it, the verbal noun or gerund form "awing" could theoretically be constructed, though it remains rare or nonstandard. In summary, "awing" as a noun appears to be an unusual or nonstandard formation based on the verb "to awe." The core etymological story belongs to "awe," a word that has traveled from Old Norse through Middle English to embody a profound emotional experience that combines fear, reverence, and admiration.

Synonyms: awning, canopy, shade