Awe vs. Wonder — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 13, 2024
Awe is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder, while wonder involves a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, or inexplicable.
Difference Between Awe and Wonder
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Awe often arises from encountering something vast that transcends one's understanding of the world, such as the immense expanse of the night sky, a natural disaster, or a profound work of art. This emotion combines elements of admiration, fear, and wonder, and it can lead to a sense of being overwhelmed or humbled by the experience. Wonder, on the other hand, is characterized by curiosity and the desire to understand something that is mysterious or beyond ordinary comprehension. It is less about being overwhelmed and more about being intrigued and inspired by the marvels and mysteries of the world.
While awe may carry a component of fear or intimidation due to the grandeur or power of the experience, wonder is typically more joyful and eager, filled with anticipation and the excitement of the unknown. Awe can sometimes leave one feeling small or insignificant in the face of something much greater, whereas wonder tends to be more uplifting, fostering a sense of connection and engagement with the world.
Both emotions play crucial roles in shaping human experience and perception. Awe can lead to a deeper understanding of one's place in the universe, often inspiring feelings of spirituality or connectedness, while wonder fuels the desire to learn, explore, and understand, driving scientific inquiry and artistic expression.
Despite their differences, awe and wonder are closely linked and can often be experienced together. Both emotions draw attention to the complexities and mysteries of life, encouraging reflection, respect, and a deeper appreciation for the world around us.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder
Surprise mingled with admiration
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Emotions
Admiration, fear, humility
Curiosity, excitement, joy
Trigger
Encountering vastness or transcendence
Encountering the mysterious or beautiful
Impact
Challenges perception, leads to a sense of the sublime
Drives exploration and discovery
Association
Often with nature, art, spirituality
With the unknown, science, learning
Compare with Definitions
Awe
A profound feeling when confronted with something vast.
She felt a sense of awe standing before the ancient redwood trees.
Wonder
A feeling of surprise and admiration.
The intricate design of the snowflake filled her with wonder.
Awe
Can be overwhelming, challenging perceptions.
The artwork's immense scale and beauty struck viewers with awe.
Wonder
Driven by curiosity and the desire to understand.
His wonder at the natural world led him to pursue a career in science.
Awe
Combines respect, fear, and wonder.
The power of the storm filled him with awe.
Wonder
Fosters exploration and discovery.
The museum's exhibits sparked a sense of wonder in visitors of all ages.
Awe
Often related to experiences of the sublime.
Watching the sunrise from the mountain peak was an awe-inspiring experience.
Wonder
Can be experienced in everyday moments.
Even the simple act of watching a butterfly can evoke a sense of wonder.
Awe
Can lead to feelings of humility.
The astronaut described feeling a profound awe for the vastness of space.
Wonder
Associated with joy and excitement.
The child's eyes widened in wonder at the magic trick.
Awe
Awe is an emotion comparable to wonder but less joyous. On Robert Plutchik's wheel of emotions awe is modeled as a combination of surprise and fear.
Wonder
The emotion aroused by something awe-inspiring, astounding, or surprising
Gazed with wonder at the northern lights.
Awe
A feeling of respect or reverence mixed with dread and wonder, often inspired by something majestic or powerful
"There was a fierce purpose in the gale ... that seemed directed at him, and made him hold his breath in awe" (Joseph Conrad).
Wonder
The quality that arouses such emotion
"Her long fair hair was girlish.
Awe
The power to inspire dread.
Wonder
One that arouses awe, astonishment, surprise, or admiration; a marvel
Given all his unhealthy habits, it's a wonder he's lived this long. She was a wonder in that movie.
Awe
Dread.
Wonder
Often Wonder A monumental human creation regarded with awe, especially one of seven monuments of the ancient world that appeared on various lists of late antiquity.
Awe
To fill with awe
Tourists who are awed by the ancient monument.
Wonder
An extraordinary or remarkable act or achievement
That teacher has worked wonders with these students.
Awe
A feeling of fear and reverence.
Wonder
An event inexplicable by the laws of nature; a miracle.
Awe
A feeling of amazement.
Wonder
To have a feeling of awe, astonishment, surprise, or admiration
We wondered at the ease with which she settled into her new job.
Awe
(archaic) Power to inspire awe.
Wonder
To be filled with curiosity or doubt
I could only wonder after hearing his excuse. I wondered about his late-night comings and goings.
Awe
(transitive) To inspire fear and reverence in.
Wonder
To feel curiosity or be in doubt about
I wondered what kind of costume she would wear. I wondered why I said that.
Awe
(transitive) To control by inspiring dread.
Wonder
Remarkable or extraordinary, especially in being beneficial
Considers quinoa a wonder grain.
Awe
Dread; great fear mingled with respect.
His frown was full of terror, and his voiceShook the delinquent with such fits of awe.
Wonder
Something that causes amazement or awe; a marvel.
Wonders of the World seem to come in sevens.
Awe
The emotion inspired by something dreadful and sublime; an undefined sense of the dreadful and the sublime; reverential fear, or solemn wonder; profound reverence.
There is an awe in mortals' joy,A deep mysterious fear.
To tame the pride of that power which held the Continent in awe.
The solitude of the desert, or the loftiness of the mountain, may fill the mind with awe - the sense of our own littleness in some greater presence or power.
Wonder
Something astonishing and seemingly inexplicable.
The idea was so crazy that it is a wonder that anyone went along with it.
Awe
To strike with fear and reverence; to inspire with awe; to control by inspiring dread.
That same eye whose bend doth awe the world.
His solemn and pathetic exhortation awed and melted the bystanders.
Wonder
Someone very talented at something, a genius.
He's a wonder at cooking.
Awe
An overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration;
He stared over the edge with a feeling of awe
Wonder
The sense or emotion which can be inspired by something curious or unknown; surprise; astonishment, often with awe or reverence.
Awe
A profound emotion inspired by a deity;
The fear of God
Wonder
A mental pondering, a thought.
Awe
Inspire awe in;
The famous professor awed the undergraduates
Wonder
(US) A kind of donut; a cruller.
Wonder
(intransitive) To be affected with surprise or admiration; to be struck with astonishment; to be amazed; to marvel; often followed by at.
Wonder
To ponder; to feel doubt and curiosity; to query in the mind.
He wondered whether penguins could fly. She had wondered this herself sometimes.
Wonder
That emotion which is excited by novelty, or the presentation to the sight or mind of something new, unusual, strange, great, extraordinary, or not well understood; surprise; astonishment; admiration; amazement.
They were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
Wonder is the effect of novelty upon ignorance.
Wonder
A cause of wonder; that which excites surprise; a strange thing; a prodigy; a miracle.
To try things oft, and never to give over, doth wonders.
I am as a wonder unto many.
Wonder
To be affected with surprise or admiration; to be struck with astonishment; to be amazed; to marvel.
I could not sufficiently wonder at the intrepidity of these diminutive mortals.
We cease to wonder at what we understand.
Wonder
To feel doubt and curiosity; to wait with uncertain expectation; to query in the mind; as, he wondered why they came.
I wonder, in my soul,What you would ask me, that I should deny.
Wonder
Wonderful.
After that he said a wonder thing.
Wonder
Wonderfully.
Wonder
The feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
Wonder
Something that causes feelings of wonder;
The wonders of modern science
Wonder
A state in which you want to learn more about something
Wonder
Have a wish or desire to know something;
He wondered who had built this beautiful church
Wonder
Place in doubt or express doubtful speculation;
I wonder whether this was the right thing to do
She wondered whether it would snow tonight
Wonder
Be amazed at;
We marvelled at the child's linguistic abilities
Common Curiosities
Can awe have a spiritual component?
Yes, awe can have a spiritual component, as it often leads to feelings of connectedness and a deeper understanding of one's place in the universe.
What differentiates the fear associated with awe from that of other fears?
The fear associated with awe is more about being overwhelmed by the grandeur or power of an experience rather than feeling threatened or endangered; it's a respectful fear mixed with admiration.
How does wonder contribute to learning?
Wonder contributes to learning by driving curiosity and the desire to explore and understand the mysteries and marvels of the world, fueling scientific inquiry and creative expression.
What evokes a feeling of awe?
A feeling of awe is evoked by encountering something vast, powerful, or transcendent that challenges or expands one's understanding of the world.
Is wonder always a positive emotion?
Wonder is generally a positive emotion, characterized by joy, excitement, and admiration, though it may sometimes lead to frustration if answers or understanding remain elusive.
How do artists capture the essence of awe or wonder in their work?
Artists capture the essence of awe or wonder through techniques that evoke vastness, mystery, beauty, or the sublime, often leaving space for the viewer's imagination and interpretation.
How can experiencing awe or wonder affect one's mental health?
Experiencing awe or wonder can positively affect mental health by enhancing well-being, fostering a sense of connectedness, reducing stress, and providing a broader perspective on life's challenges.
Can awe lead to a sense of insignificance?
Yes, awe can lead to a sense of insignificance as one confronts the vastness or majesty of something far greater than oneself, though this is often mixed with a sense of connection or unity.
How do children typically express wonder?
Children typically express wonder through wide-eyed excitement, eager questions, and a keen interest in exploring and discovering new things.
Are there cultural differences in how awe and wonder are experienced or expressed?
Yes, cultural differences can influence how awe and wonder are experienced or expressed, shaped by values, beliefs, and traditions regarding nature, the divine, and the unknown.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
