Awfull vs. Awful: The Correct Spellings

The word "awful" has its origins in Old English, where "awe" meant fear or dread. Over time, the meaning evolved, and the word "awful" came to represent something that is profoundly unpleasant or bad. "Awful" can be used in multiple contexts, from describing taste to situations.

To remember the correct spelling, consider the root word "awe." If you think of the word "awful" as deriving from "awe" with the addition of "-ful" (like in "beautiful" or "helpful"), you'll be able to recall the correct spelling more easily.

The correct spelling is "awful," not "awfull." The fundamental difference between the two is that "awfull" incorrectly uses two 'l's at the end.

The error in the spelling "awfull" likely stems from the natural inclination to double the 'l' based on pronunciation or by analogy with words like "full."

Incorrect: The movie was really awfull.

Correct: The movie was really awful.

Incorrect: The weather today is awfull.

Correct: The weather today is awful.

Incorrect: She had an awfull experience at the store.

Correct: She had an awful experience at the store.

Incorrect: I feel awfull about forgetting his birthday.

Correct: I feel awful about forgetting his birthday.

Incorrect: The room was in an awfull state.

Correct: The room was in an awful state.

Very; extremely (used as an intensifier).

Extremely bad or unpleasant.

Used to describe a large amount or degree.

Deserving of or causing disapproval or disappointment.

Causing fear or terror; inspiring reverence or wonder.

Extremely bad or unpleasant; terrible

Commanding awe

Filled with or displaying great reverence.

(Obsolete) Afraid.

Formidable in nature or extent

Extremely; very

Very bad.

Exceedingly great; usually applied intensively.

Causing fear or horror; appalling, terrible.

Inspiring awe; filling with profound reverence or respect; profoundly impressive.

Struck or filled with awe or reverence.

(obsolete) Terror-stricken.

(colloquial) Awfully; dreadfully; terribly.

Very, extremely.

Oppressing with fear or horror; appalling; terrible; as, an awful scene.

Inspiring awe; filling with profound reverence, or with fear and admiration; fitted to inspire reverential fear; profoundly impressive.

Struck or filled with awe; terror-stricken.

Worshipful; reverential; law-abiding.

Frightful; exceedingly bad; great; - applied intensively; as, an awful bonnet; an awful boaster.

exceptionally bad or displeasing;

causing fear or dread or terror;

offensive or even (of persons) malicious;

inspired by a feeling of fearful wonderment or reverence;

inspiring awe or admiration or wonder;

used as intensifiers;

The news was awful to hear.

The soup tasted awful.

He had an awful headache.

She felt awful for lying.

Their behavior was awful.

The smell in the room was awful.

The weather looks awful for the picnic.

The traffic was awful this morning.

It's awful how they treated him.

That's an awful lot of homework.

The paint color looked awful on the wall.

He made an awful mistake.

The condition of the park was awful.

It's awful that you have to leave so soon.

The roads are in awful condition.

The hotel room was awful and dirty.

I have an awful feeling about this.

The joke he told was in awful taste.

The movie had an awful ending.

The service at the restaurant was awful.

That sweater looks awful on you.

I had an awful dream last night.

Her singing voice is awful.

They left the kitchen in an awful mess.

I heard an awful noise coming from the basement.

A very large amount

A situation or place that is extremely disorganized or dirty

A truth that is unpleasant or hard to accept

To feel very bad or guilty about something

To sound very bad or unpleasant

To make a lot of noise

To have a very bad taste

To appear very unattractive or in bad condition

Very bad or distressing news

In very bad condition

Surprisingly good or excellent

To have a very bad or unpleasant experience

Very sorry; an expression of strong regret

Very bad or unpleasant weather

A very uncomfortable or ominous silence

A very severe headache

A very surprising and usually unpleasant coincidence

The spelling "awful" derives from the root word "awe" with the addition of "-ful," similar to words like "beautiful" and "helpful."

Yes, in some American English slang, "awful" can be used as an intensifier in a positive context, e.g., "The concert was awful good."

Yes, "awful" can be used to describe a large amount or degree, as in "an awful lot."

"Awful" is pronounced as AW-ful.

No, the correct spelling is "awful."

The word "awful" originated from Old English, where "awe" meant fear or dread.

Yes, "awfully" is the adverbial form, as in "She sings awfully well."

"Awful" is primarily used as an adjective.

It's not uncommon, as some might mistakenly double the 'l' based on pronunciation or analogy with other words.

While both originate from the root word "awe," "awful" usually describes something negative or unpleasant, whereas "awesome" describes something positive or impressive.