Amazing vs. Awesome: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 18, 2023
"Amazing" refers to something that astonishes or causes wonder, while "Awesome" denotes something that inspires awe or admiration.
Key Differences
Amazing and Awesome are both adjectives that express high praise and admiration. While "Amazing" often points towards something that causes astonishment or great surprise, "Awesome" leans more towards expressing a sense of reverence, admiration, or even fear at times.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
The root word of Amazing is "amaze," which means to fill with wonder or astonishment. On the other hand, "Awesome" originates from "awe," which implies a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Over time, the use of Amazing and Awesome has evolved, especially in casual conversation. Today, both words are frequently used to show appreciation or to describe something impressive. However, "Awesome" might carry a slightly more intense or grand connotation than "Amazing."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
In historical or traditional contexts, Awesome was often used to describe something that inspired awe due to its grandeur, power, or beauty, possibly creating a sense of intimidation. "Amazing," meanwhile, has consistently been associated with surprise and wonder, without necessarily implying intimidation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Grammatically speaking, Amazing and Awesome can be used interchangeably in many contexts without altering the meaning significantly. Yet, choosing one over the other can add subtle nuances to the sentiment being expressed, depending on the situation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Historical Connotation
Consistently tied to wonder
Often tied to grandeur or intimidation
Janet White
Nov 17, 2023
Modern Colloquial Usage
Frequently used for appreciation
Commonly used to describe impressive things
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
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Amazing and Awesome Definitions
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Amazing
Hard to believe; remarkable.
Her recovery was nothing short of Amazing.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Awesome
(Slang) Remarkable; outstanding
"a totally awesome arcade game" (Los Angeles Times).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Awesome
(dated) Causing awe or terror; inspiring wonder or excitement.
The waterfall in the middle of the rainforest was an awesome sight.
The tsunami was awesome in its destructive power.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Awesome
(colloquial) Excellent, exciting, remarkable.
That was awesome!
Awesome, dude!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Awesome
(slang) nodot=a: the quality, state, or essence of being awesome.
Pure awesome
Made of awesome
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Awesome
Inspiring awe or admiration or wonder;
New York is an amazing city
The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring sight
The awesome complexity of the universe
This sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath
Westminster Hall's awing majesty, so vast, so high, so silent
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Amazing
Surprising greatly;
She does an amazing amount of work
The dog was capable of astonishing tricks
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Awesome
Inspiring a feeling of admiration or respect.
The Grand Canyon is an Awesome sight.
Harlon Moss
Oct 09, 2023
Amazing
Inspiring awe or admiration or wonder;
New York is an amazing city
The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring sight
The awesome complexity of the universe
This sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath
Westminster Hall's awing majesty, so vast, so high, so silent
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Amazing
Eliciting a feeling of admiration.
The dedication of the volunteers was Amazing.
Harlon Moss
Oct 09, 2023
FAQs
Can "Awesome" imply something intimidating?
Historically, yes. "Awesome" could describe something grand or intimidating.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Are "Amazing" and "Awesome" synonyms?
They're close in meaning but have subtle differences based on awe and astonishment.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Is "Amazing" always positive?
Mostly, but context matters. Something unbelievably tragic could be "amazing" in its scope.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Can I use "Amazing" to describe a person?
Absolutely! It can mean the person is impressive or causes wonder.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Which word is more casual: "Amazing" or "Awesome"?
Both are casual, but "Awesome" might be more prevalent in informal American slang.
Janet White
Nov 17, 2023
Does "Amazing" always indicate surprise?
Often, but not always. It broadly means something is impressive or remarkable.
Harlon Moss
Nov 17, 2023
Can an "Awesome responsibility" be a burden?
Yes, it implies a significant, possibly daunting, responsibility.
Harlon Moss
Nov 17, 2023
Does "Awesome" only refer to good things?
While often positive, "Awesome" can describe anything grand or overwhelming, good or bad.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Does "Amazing" have roots outside of English?
It originates from the Middle English word "amasen" (to astonish).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
What's the "Awesome Eighties"?
It's a colloquial term for the 1980s, emphasizing its remarkable or cool aspects.
Harlon Moss
Nov 17, 2023
Is "Awesome" religious in origin?
It has been used in religious contexts to describe awe-inspiring deities or events.
Sara Rehman
Nov 17, 2023
Is "Awesome" a 20th-century term?
It's been in use longer but gained popularity in the late 20th century.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Can "Awesome" be used sarcastically?
Definitely. Like saying "Awesome" when something inconvenient happens.
Sara Rehman
Nov 17, 2023
Is "Amazing" overused in modern language?
Some believe it is, especially in casual conversation, diminishing its impact.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
What's an "Awesome display of power"?
It means a significant, potentially intimidating show of strength or capability.
Sara Rehman
Nov 17, 2023
Can "Awesome" describe a sensation?
Yes, like feeling "Awesome joy" or "Awesome trepidation."
Janet White
Nov 17, 2023
Is "Amazing" stronger than "Impressive"?
It might imply more astonishment, but they're similar in strength.
Sara Rehman
Nov 17, 2023
Can you be "Amazing at a skill"?
Yes. E.g., "She is Amazing at playing the guitar."
Sara Rehman
Nov 17, 2023
How do "Amazing" and "Astonishing" differ?
They're close in meaning, but "Astonishing" might imply a higher degree of surprise.
Sara Rehman
Nov 17, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
