Fantastic vs. Awesome — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 25, 2023
Fantastic often refers to something imaginative or extraordinary, while Awesome denotes something that inspires awe or wonder. Both can imply "very good" or "excellent."
Difference Between Fantastic and Awesome
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fantastic typically conveys a sense of the imaginative or something that exists in fantasy. This word might be used to describe something that feels beyond reality, almost dreamlike. Awesome, on the other hand, derives its meaning from the word "awe," suggesting something that evokes deep admiration or wonder, often due to its magnitude or beauty.
In everyday language, both Fantastic and Awesome have evolved to become synonymous with "very good" or "excellent." For instance, one might say, "The concert was fantastic!" or "The concert was awesome!" In these contexts, the distinctions between their original meanings blur.
However, if we consider the roots and nuances of these words, Fantastic might be more suitable for describing something that seems too good to be true or is of an extraordinary nature, while Awesome might better describe something grand, impressive, or even intimidating in its magnificence.
Furthermore, there are instances where the words may not be used interchangeably. For example, "a fantastic creature" likely refers to a mythical or fictional being, while "an awesome creature" suggests an animal that's impressive or overwhelming in its presence.
In casual speech, the distinctions between Fantastic and Awesome might not be strictly adhered to, but understanding their nuances can offer more precise ways to express admiration or wonder in various contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
From "fantasy" denoting imaginative or fictional.
From "awe" meaning deep admiration or wonder.
Common Usage
Often used to mean "very good" or "extraordinary."
Typically means "very good" or "impressive."
Nuanced Meaning
Implies something beyond reality or dreamlike.
Indicates something grand or magnificent.
Contextual Difference
Might describe something seemingly too good to be true.
Suggests something impressive or overwhelming.
Example Context
More likely for fictional or exaggerated matters.
More likely for impressive real-world phenomena.
Compare with Definitions
Fantastic
Imaginative or fanciful.
The story was filled with fantastic creatures.
Awesome
Extremely good or excellent.
The band's performance was awesome.
Fantastic
Highly exaggerated.
It's a fantastic tale that few believe.
Awesome
Overwhelming or daunting.
Facing the massive audience was an awesome task.
Fantastic
Unbelievably good.
The dessert tasted fantastic.
Awesome
Extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring awe
The awesome power of the atomic bomb
Fantastic
Existing only in fantasy.
He had a fantastic dream about flying.
Awesome
Inspiring awe
An awesome thunderstorm.
Fantastic
The fantastic (French: le fantastique) is a subgenre of literary works characterized by the ambiguous presentation of seemingly supernatural forces. Bulgarian-French structuralist literary critic Tzvetan Todorov originated the concept, characterizing the fantastic as the hesitation of characters and readers when presented with questions about reality.
Awesome
Expressing awe
Stood in awesome silence before the ancient ruins.
Fantastic
Based on or existing only in fantasy; unreal
Fantastic mythological creatures.
The fantastic realms of science fiction.
Awesome
(Slang) Remarkable; outstanding
"a totally awesome arcade game" (Los Angeles Times).
Fantastic
Strange or fanciful in form, conception, or appearance
“The fire assumed fantastic shapes as he watched” (Ward Just).
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.
Fantastic
Unrealistic; irrational
“the early jubilant years of the Restoration with their fantastic hopes of a Golden Age and incorruptible power” (Janet Todd).
Awesome
(colloquial) Excellent, exciting, remarkable.
That was awesome!
Awesome, dude!
Fantastic
Exceedingly great in size or degree; extravagant
A fantastic sum of money.
Awesome
(slang) nodot=a: the quality, state, or essence of being awesome.
Pure awesome
Made of awesome
Fantastic
Wonderful or superb; remarkable
A fantastic trip to Europe.
Awesome
Causing awe; appalling; awful; as, an awesome sight.
Fantastic
An eccentric person.
Awesome
Expressive of awe or terror.
An awesome glance up at the auld castle.
Fantastic
Existing in or constructed from fantasy; of or relating to fantasy; fanciful.
He told fantastic stories of dragons and goblins.
His fantastic post-college plans had all collapsed within a year of graduation.
She had a fantastic view of her own importance that none of her colleagues shared.
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
Fantastic
Not believable; implausible; seemingly only possible in fantasy.
The events were so fantastic that only the tabloids were willing to print them.
She entered the lab and stood gaping for a good ten minutes at the fantastic machinery at work all around her.
Awesome
Inspiring deep admiration or reverence.
The view from the mountaintop was awesome.
Fantastic
Resembling fantasies in irregularity, caprice, or eccentricity; irregular; grotesque.
Awesome
Evoking wonder due to magnitude or beauty.
The power of nature is truly awesome.
Fantastic
Wonderful; marvelous; excellent; extraordinarily good or great (used especially as an intensifier).
"I had a simply fantastic vacation, and I can't wait to tell you all about it!"
Awesome
Slang for impressive or attractive.
That new video game looks awesome.
Fantastic
(archaic) A fanciful or whimsical person.
Fantastic
Existing only in imagination; fanciful; imaginary; not real; chimerical.
Fantastic
Having the nature of a phantom; unreal.
Fantastic
Indulging the vagaries of imagination; whimsical; full of absurd fancies; capricious; as, fantastic minds; a fantastic mistress.
Fantastic
Resembling fantasies in irregularity, caprice, or eccentricity; irregular; oddly shaped; grotesque.
There at the foot of yonder nodding beech,That wreathes its old fantastic roots so high.
Fantastic
A person given to fantastic dress, manners, etc.; an eccentric person; a fop.
Our fantastics, who, having a fine watch, take all ocasions to draw it out to be seen.
Fantastic
Ludicrously odd;
Hamlet's assumed antic disposition
Fantastic Halloween costumes
A grotesque reflection in the mirror
Fantastic
Extraordinarily good; used especially as intensifiers;
A fantastic trip to the Orient
The film was fantastic!
A howling success
A marvelous collection of rare books
Had a rattling conversation about politics
A tremendous achievement
Fantastic
Extravagantly fanciful and unrealistic; foolish;
A fantastic idea of his own importance
Fantastic
Existing in fancy only;
Fantastic figures with bulbous heads the circumference of a bushel
Fantastic
Exceedingly or unbelievably great;
The bomb did fantastic damage
Samson is supposed to have had fantastic strength
Phenomenal feats of memory
Fantastic
Beyond what's usual or ordinary.
She did a fantastic job organizing the event.
Common Curiosities
Can Awesome indicate something overwhelming?
Yes, Awesome can indicate something overwhelming or daunting.
Can both Fantastic and Awesome describe something "very good"?
Yes, both can be used to describe something "very good" or "excellent."
What emotion is closely linked to the word Awesome?
Awe is closely linked to the word Awesome.
Which word suggests something of fantasy or imagination?
Fantastic often suggests something of fantasy or imagination.
Which word might describe a mythical creature?
A mythical creature might be described as Fantastic.
Which word might describe a story with mythical elements?
A story with mythical elements might be described as Fantastic.
In which context might you use Fantastic over Awesome?
You might use Fantastic to describe something dreamlike or beyond reality.
Does Fantastic always refer to fiction?
No, while Fantastic can refer to fictional elements, it's also used to mean "very good."
Can you use Fantastic to praise someone's efforts?
Yes, you can say someone did a "fantastic job" to praise their efforts.
Is Awesome ever used in slang?
Yes, Awesome is often used in slang to mean impressive or attractive.
Does Awesome always indicate something positive?
While commonly used positively, Awesome can also indicate something overwhelming or daunting.
How do the original meanings of these words differ?
Fantastic originally denotes something imaginative, while Awesome implies something that inspires awe.
Can Fantastic imply exaggeration?
Yes, Fantastic can imply something highly exaggerated.
Which word originates from "awe"?
Awesome originates from the word "awe."
Can you use Awesome to describe nature's power?
Yes, the power of nature can be described as Awesome.
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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.
