overawe

/ˌəʊvərˈɔː/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌəʊvərˈɔː/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌō-vər-ˈȯ/ (ame, mw)

overawe — verb

  • overawepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • overaweshe / she / it
  • overawedpast simple
  • overawing-ing form

1. to make someone feel so deeply impressed by your power, grandness, or seriousnes

1.動詞及物C2
釋義

to make someone feel so deeply impressed by your power, grandness, or seriousness that they become quiet, hesitant, or afraid to act.

例句

The young soldiers were overawed by the silence of the ancient cathedral.

passive: be overawed by + [imposing place or thing]

Cyrus tried not to feel overawed when he met the prime minister at the embassy.

passive with 'when' clause showing the trigger

同義詞
  • intimidate

    more about fear than respect; overawe always keeps the awe element

  • daunt

    the task or challenge daunts; overawe is usually triggered by a person or place

  • cow

    stronger and more physical; cow implies bullying, overawe implies grandeur

反義詞

文法句型

overawe + somebody

be overawed by + something

用法筆記

Frequently passive (be/feel overawed by). The trigger of the awe is usually a powerful person, an imposing building, or a serious occasion — not a pleasant surprise.

常見錯誤

❌I was overawed by the beautiful sunset.
✅I was amazed by the beautiful sunset.
💡overawe implies feeling small or afraid, not simple wonder.
❌The teacher overawed the students with funny stories.
✅The teacher impressed the students with funny stories.
💡overawe never describes a pleasant or friendly effect.