Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

awfully

 - 2 dictionary results

aw⋅ful⋅ly

  [aw-fuh-lee, awf-lee]
Use awfully in a Sentence
–adverb
1. very; extremely: That was awfully nice of you. He's awfully slow.
2. in a manner provoking censure, disapproval, or the like: She behaved awfully all evening.
3. Archaic.
a. in a manner inspiring awe: shouting awfully the dreaded curse.
b. in a manner expressing awe: to stare awfully.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME auefulli; see awful, -ly

Usage note:
See awful.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To awfully
aw·ful   (ô'fəl)   
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:

    1. Filled with or displaying great reverence.

    2. 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).]
aw'ful·ly adv., aw'ful·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see awfully on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way