awest
|a-west|
/əˈwɛst/
(awe)
reverential respect
Etymology
'awest' ultimately derives from the Old English word 'ege' (also written 'eġe'), meaning 'fear' or 'terror', which is the root of modern English 'awe'.
'ege' (Old English) developed into Middle English forms such as 'awe' and by Early Modern English the verb 'awe' gave rise to archaic conjugated forms such as 'awest' (2nd person singular present).
Initially it meant 'fear' or 'terror' in Old English; over time the sense broadened and softened to the modern meaning of 'a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear' or 'to inspire such a feeling'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
(archaic) The second-person singular present form of 'awe' (used with 'thou'); 'to fill with awe' or 'to inspire with reverential fear'.
Thou awest all who hear thy tale with wonder and dread.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
(archaic) Filled with awe; awestruck or reverentially fearful.
They stood awest before the mountain, silent and small.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/04 17:52