awe-inspiring
adjective C1
Plain meaning
so impressive that it creates wonder or respect
Exam-register meaning
In academic or exam contexts, it means so impressive that it creates wonder or respect, usually in a more formal register.
In context
naturalHis response sounded awe-inspiring, so the conversation became difficult.
examThe passage presents a awe-inspiring assessment of the policy’s wider consequences.
Common collocations
a awe-inspiring responseawe-inspiring behavioura awe-inspiring situation
Watch out
Do not use “very awe-inspiring” automatically; some advanced adjectives already carry a strong meaning or need a more natural intensifier.
Word family
awe (inspiringness (noun, where natural))awe (inspiringly (adverb, where natural))