Awesome in conversation means great, amazing: You found it? Awesome! But the original meaning is inspiring awe: the awesome power of the ocean. Awe is that mix of wonder and fear in front of something huge. The meaning depends on the thing: a plan is great, an ocean is overwhelming.
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be / look / sound awesome; an awesome + noun; Awesome!
- The view from the cable car was awesome.
- You found the missing notebook? Awesome!
- The documentary shows the awesome power of the ocean.
What changed
First versionYour new stage design looks awesomely.
RevisionYour new stage design looks awesome.
Adverbs often describe how something looks or seems, so looks awesomely can feel correct. But after looks and sounds you describe the thing with an adjective: looks awesome. The adverb awesomely is rare: awesomely powerful.
Awful comes from the same awe but means terrible. Awesome and awful are a pair that drifted in opposite directions. Great and amazing are close alternatives.
Your turn
Choose the adjective after sounds: Your plan for the weekend sounds ___.
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awesome — After sounds, a plan is described with an adjective: sounds awesome. Awesomely is an adverb and doesn't fit here.
React to some good news or describe an impressive place with awesome.
The rooftop garden looks awesome, especially with all the lights reflected in the windows.
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