Awe is the profound feeling of respect mixed with fear when facing something greater than yourself.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A mix of deep respect and cautious fear.
- Used for grand, powerful, or sacred entities.
- Implies a sense of humility and solemnity.
Overview
- 1概览：敬畏是一个复合词，由“敬”（尊敬）和“畏”（畏惧、谨慎）组成。它不仅仅是简单的尊重，而是一种深层次的情感体验，通常在面对远超自身力量的事物时产生。2) 使用模式：该词既可以作名词使用（如“怀着敬畏之心”），也可以作动词使用（如“我们要敬畏自然”）。在现代汉语中，它常与“之心”、“感”连用，表达一种内心的庄重。3) 常见语境：常出现在宗教、哲学、文学及环保议题中。例如，人们提到浩瀚的宇宙或大自然的力量时，往往会用“敬畏”来表达人类的渺小感。4) 近义词辨析：“敬佩”侧重于对他人的能力或品德的赞赏，不含“畏惧”成分；“恐惧”则纯粹是害怕，不含“尊敬”。“敬畏”则完美平衡了尊敬与畏惧，是一种更为复杂的心理状态。
Examples
我们要学会敬畏自然。
everydayWe must learn to respect and fear nature.
他怀着敬畏的心情参观了烈士陵园。
formalHe visited the martyrs' cemetery with a sense of awe.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
心存敬畏
keep a sense of awe in one's heart
Often Confused With
Refers to admiration for someone's skills or character without the element of fear.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This word is formal and carries a heavy emotional weight. It is not suitable for casual conversation. Use it when discussing moral, spiritual, or natural phenomena.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it interchangeably with 'fear' (害怕). Remember that '敬畏' always includes a component of positive respect or admiration.
Tips
Use with solemnity
Pair this word with concepts like nature, law, or life to sound more profound. It is best used in formal writing or serious discussions.
Avoid casual usage
Do not use it to describe daily interactions with friends. It will sound overly dramatic or unnatural.
Confucian influence
The concept is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, reflecting the traditional value of respecting heaven and elders.
Word Origin
Derived from classical Chinese, combining 'Jing' (respect) and 'Wei' (fear). Historically used in contexts of ritual and statecraft.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, '敬畏' is essential for maintaining social order and moral integrity. It suggests that one should not act recklessly because of a higher moral or natural authority.
Memory Tip
Think of the word as a combination of 'bowing' (敬) and 'stepping back' (畏). You bow because you respect, and you step back because you are in awe.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions“害怕”是纯粹的负面情绪，源于危险或威胁。而“敬畏”包含尊敬成分，是一种对崇高事物的仰望和自我约束。
可以，但要看语境。在讨论自然、生命或法律等严肃话题时使用非常得体，但在轻松的社交场合使用会显得过于庄重。
可以，通常指对长辈、老师或伟人的崇高敬意。这种敬意中带有一点点不敢亵渎的距离感。
Test Yourself
面对浩瀚的星空，人类心中总会产生一种___之情。
面对宏大的自然景观，敬畏是最符合语境的心理表达。
Score: /1
Summary
Awe is the profound feeling of respect mixed with fear when facing something greater than yourself.
- A mix of deep respect and cautious fear.
- Used for grand, powerful, or sacred entities.
- Implies a sense of humility and solemnity.
Use with solemnity
Pair this word with concepts like nature, law, or life to sound more profound. It is best used in formal writing or serious discussions.
Avoid casual usage
Do not use it to describe daily interactions with friends. It will sound overly dramatic or unnatural.
Confucian influence
The concept is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, reflecting the traditional value of respecting heaven and elders.
Examples
2 of 2我们要学会敬畏自然。
We must learn to respect and fear nature.
他怀着敬畏的心情参观了烈士陵园。
He visited the martyrs' cemetery with a sense of awe.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
