Fabulous vs. Awesome — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 25, 2024
Fabulous emphasizes a fantastical or incredible quality, while awesome implies awe-inspiring or impressive greatness.
Difference Between Fabulous and Awesome
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fabulous often connotes something that is almost unbelievable due to its extreme and extravagant nature. Whereas, awesome tends to suggest a level of admiration inspired by something that is grand or powerful.
In everyday language, fabulous is frequently associated with fashion and style, emphasizing a sophisticated and highly appealing appearance. On the other hand, awesome might be used to describe natural wonders or heroic feats, underscoring a sense of overwhelming impact.
Fabulous can also imply an element of the surreal or exaggerated, which enhances its charm or allure. Meanwhile, awesome often carries a tone of sincerity and might be associated with genuine respect or reverence.
When used in casual conversation, fabulous is typically more flamboyant or playful, fitting for situations that are less serious. In contrast, awesome, despite its casual use, can retain its connection to truly significant or inspiring scenarios.
Comparison Chart
Connotation
Extravagant, almost unbelievable quality
Inspiring awe, impressive greatness
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Common Usage
Fashion, personal style
Natural wonders, heroic feats
Tone
Flamboyant, playful
Serious, respectful
Implication
Surreal, exaggerated charm
Sincerity, genuine admiration
Example Context
"She wore a fabulous dress at the gala."
"The view from the mountain was awesome."
Compare with Definitions
Fabulous
Amazingly good. wonderful.
She did a fabulous job redecorating the office.
Awesome
Extremely impressive or daunting. inspiring great admiration, apprehension, or fear.
The climber faced the awesome challenge of the north face.
Fabulous
Very large in amount or size.
He earned a fabulous amount of money from the sale.
Awesome
Excellent, great, remarkable.
She thinks he is awesome because he always helps others.
Fabulous
Known for being wonderful or impressive.
The museum is famous for its fabulous ancient sculptures.
Awesome
Informal; Very impressive. excellent.
He did an awesome job on the project.
Fabulous
Relating to a fable, mythical.
The designer's new collection was inspired by fabulous creatures like unicorns and dragons.
Awesome
Slang; Very impressive. excellent.
That new video game is totally awesome!
Fabulous
Extremely pleasing or successful.
We had a fabulous time at the party.
Awesome
Causing or inducing awe. inspiring an overwhelming feeling of reverence or admiration.
The awesome power of the storm was both beautiful and terrifying.
Fabulous
Extremely pleasing or successful
A fabulous vacation.
Awesome
Extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring awe
The awesome power of the atomic bomb
Fabulous
Astonishing or extraordinary
The fabulous endurance of a marathon runner.
Awesome
Inspiring awe
An awesome thunderstorm.
Fabulous
Of the nature of a fable or myth; legendary.
Awesome
Expressing awe
Stood in awesome silence before the ancient ruins.
Fabulous
Told of or celebrated in fables or legends.
Awesome
(Slang) Remarkable; outstanding
"a totally awesome arcade game" (Los Angeles Times).
Fabulous
Of or relating to fable, myth or legend.
Awesome
(dated) Causing awe or terror; inspiring wonder or excitement.
The waterfall in the middle of the rainforest was an awesome sight.
The tsunami was awesome in its destructive power.
Fabulous
Characteristic of fables; marvelous, extraordinary, incredible.
Awesome
(colloquial) Excellent, exciting, remarkable.
That was awesome!
Awesome, dude!
Fabulous
Fictional or not believable; made up.
Awesome
(slang) nodot=a: the quality, state, or essence of being awesome.
Pure awesome
Made of awesome
Fabulous
(obsolete) Known for telling fables or falsehoods; unreliable.
Awesome
Causing awe; appalling; awful; as, an awesome sight.
Fabulous
(slang) Very good; outstanding, wonderful.
Awesome
Expressive of awe or terror.
An awesome glance up at the auld castle.
Fabulous
Gay or pertaining to gay people.
Awesome
Inspiring awe or admiration or wonder;
New York is an amazing city
The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring sight
The awesome complexity of the universe
This sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath
Westminster Hall's awing majesty, so vast, so high, so silent
Fabulous
(slang) Camp, effeminate.
Fabulous
(slang) Fashionable, glamorous.
Fabulous
Feigned, as a story or fable; related in fable; devised; invented; not real; fictitious; as, a fabulous description; a fabulous hero.
The fabulous birth of Minerva.
Fabulous
Beyond belief; exceedingly great; as, a fabulous price.
Fabulous
Extremely pleasing;
A fabulous vacation
Fabulous
Based on or told of in traditional stories; lacking factual basis or historical validity;
Mythical centaurs
The fabulous unicorn
Fabulous
Barely credible;
The fabulous endurance of a marathon runner
Common Curiosities
Can fabulous and awesome be used interchangeably?
While both can express high praise, fabulous often carries a lighter, more playful connotation compared to the more awe-inspiring and serious tone of awesome.
What scenarios are most fitting for the use of the word "awesome"?
Scenarios that involve something that is grand, imposing, or capable of invoking deep respect or awe are fitting for the use of "awesome".
What type of achievements typically warrant the description "fabulous"?
Achievements that are particularly extravagant or impressive in a stylish or flashy way are often described as fabulous.
What does fabulous typically imply in conversation?
In conversation, fabulous often implies something is extremely good or impressive in a glamorous or extravagant way.
How does the historical usage of "fabulous" differ from its modern usage?
Historically, "fabulous" related more directly to myths or fables, describing something almost impossible or legendary, whereas today it is often used to denote something extremely good or impressive.
Can "awesome" be used in professional settings?
Yes, "awesome" can be used in professional settings, but it's important to gauge the formality of the situation as it can sound too casual or informal in some contexts.
In which contexts might "fabulous" be seen as inappropriate or overly casual?
"Fabulous" might be seen as inappropriate or overly casual in very formal or solemn contexts where its flamboyant connotations could undermine the seriousness required.
Are there any age or cultural considerations when using "fabulous" or "awesome"?
Both terms are widely recognized, but "awesome" might be more prevalent among younger generations, especially in American English, while "fabulous" can have a broad appeal but is sometimes preferred in contexts involving fashion or drama.
Is awesome a formal or informal term?
Awesome is generally considered informal, especially in contemporary usage.
What emotions are typically associated with the term "awesome"?
The term "awesome" often evokes feelings of awe, respect, and sometimes fear, especially when referring to something overwhelmingly powerful or grand.
Which term is more likely to be used in marketing, and why?
"Awesome" is commonly used in marketing to appeal to a younger audience or to convey outstanding features of a product or service, especially in technology or adventure-related industries. "Fabulous" might be chosen for products related to fashion or luxury to emphasize their exclusive or glamorous nature.
Is there a difference in the visual imagery evoked by "fabulous" and "awesome"?
"Fabulous" often evokes imagery of glamour, sparkle, and extravagance, while "awesome" conjures up visions of vastness, power, like towering mountains or expansive skies.
How do the intensities of "fabulous" and "awesome" compare when describing experiences?
"Fabulous" may emphasize the pleasure and aesthetic quality of an experience, often lighter and more playful, whereas "awesome" suggests a deeper, more profound impact or intensity.
Can the use of "fabulous" or "awesome" affect the tone of a conversation?
Yes, using "fabulous" generally adds a whimsical or enthusiastic tone to a conversation, while "awesome" might lend a tone of sincerity or intensity, reflecting deep admiration or respect.
What synonyms could replace "fabulous" and "awesome" without changing the intended meaning much?
Synonyms for "fabulous" include "fantastic," "marvelous," and "splendid," while for "awesome," "impressive," "remarkable," and "stunning" can be used.
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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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
