The difference between Awful and Awfully

When used as adverbs, awful means very, extremely, whereas awfully means badly, terribly.

Awful is also adjective with the meaning: very bad.

check bellow for the other definitions of Awful and Awfully

  1. Awful as an adjective:

    Very bad.

    Examples:

    "My socks smell awful."

    "We saw such an awful film last night that we left the theater before the end."

  2. Awful as an adjective:

    Exceedingly great; usually applied intensively.

    Examples:

    "an awful bonnet"

    "I have learnt an awful amount today."

  3. Awful as an adjective (now, _, dated):

    Causing fear or horror; appalling, terrible.

  4. Awful as an adjective (now, _, rare):

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

  5. Awful as an adjective (now, _, rare):

    Struck or filled with awe.

  6. Awful as an adjective (obsolete):

    Terror-stricken.

  7. Awful as an adjective:

    Worshipful; reverential; law-abiding.

  1. Awful as an adverb (colloquial, US, Canada):

    Very, extremely.

    Examples:

    "That's an awful big house."

    "She seemed awful nice when I met her yesterday."

  1. Awfully as an adverb:

    Badly, terribly.

    Examples:

    "She led after the swiming and cycling, but ran awfully and came in fourth."

  2. Awfully as an adverb (not comparable):

    Very; exceedingly; extremely; excessively.

  3. Awfully as an adverb (archaic):

    In a manner inspiring awe.

  4. Awfully as an adverb (archaic):

    Reverently.

  5. Awfully as an adverb (obsolete):

    Fearfully.

Compare words:

Compare with synonyms and related words: