What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Awe vs Consternation - What's the difference?

awe | consternation | Synonyms |

As nouns the difference between awe and consternation

is that awe is a feeling of fear and reverence while consternation is amazement or horror that confounds the faculties, and incapacitates for reflection; terror, combined with amazement; dismay.

As a verb awe

is to inspire fear and reverence in.

awe

English

Noun

(-)
  • A feeling of fear and reverence.
  • A feeling of amazement.
  • * 1918 , (Edgar Rice Burroughs), Chapter IV
  • For several minutes no one spoke; I think they must each have been as overcome by awe as was I. All about us was a flora and fauna as strange and wonderful to us as might have been those upon a distant planet had we suddenly been miraculously transported through ether to an unknown world.
  • * {{quote-magazine, year=2012, month=March-April
  • , author=Anna Lena Phillips , title=Sneaky Silk Moths , volume=100, issue=2, page=172 , magazine=(American Scientist) citation , passage=Last spring, the periodical cicadas emerged across eastern North America. Their vast numbers and short above-ground life spans inspired awe and irritation in humans—and made for good meals for birds and small mammals.}}

    Derived terms

    * awe-inspiring * awesome * awestruck * awful

    Verb

    (aw)
  • To inspire fear and reverence in.
  • * '>citation
  • To control by inspiring dread.
  • Synonyms

    * (inspire reverence) enthral, enthrall; overwhelm

    Derived terms

    * awed * awesome * awe-inspiring * awful

    consternation

    English

    Noun

    (-)
  • Amazement or horror that confounds the faculties, and incapacitates for reflection; terror, combined with amazement; dismay.
  • * ? , ,
  • It was probably worth four millennia of consternation and regret.
  • * The Awakening , ,
  • "Out!" exclaimed her husband, with something like genuine consternation in his voice.
  • * 2003 , Terrance Dicks & Barry Letts, Deadly Reunion , chapter 17
  • Their audience had been listening in increasing consternation .