'awe-inspiring' originates from the combination of 'awe' and 'inspire', where 'awe' meant 'a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder' and 'inspire' meant 'to fill with the urge or ability to do or feel something'.

'awe' changed from the Old English word 'ege' and eventually became the modern English word 'awe'. 'Inspire' comes from the Latin word 'inspirare', meaning 'to breathe into'.

Initially, 'awe' meant 'fear or dread', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder'.