The phrase "awful lot of things" is an informal expression used to indicate a large or significant quantity of items or ideas. The word "awful" in this context does not imply a negative or unpleasant meaning but rather emphasizes the extent or magnitude of the quantity. It is similar to saying "a whole lot of th…
The phrase "awful lot of things" is an informal expression used to indicate a large or significant quantity of items or ideas. The word "awful" in this context does not imply a negative or unpleasant meaning but rather emphasizes the extent or magnitude of the quantity. It is similar to saying "a whole lot of things" or "a great number of things."
For example, if someone says, "I have an awful lot of things to do today," they are emphasizing that they have a substantial number of tasks or responsibilities to handle. It conveys a sense of being overwhelmed or having a significant amount of work ahead.
In general, the phrase is used to emphasize the quantity or extent of something without necessarily indicating a negative connotation.
Thanks. Then ‘informal’ means ignoring the connotation of a root word thus allowing for its use outside of its rightful meaning. Evidently our education system stopped providing root word analysis for the last 60 year. Ergo anxious (nervous) means eager; incredible (inconceivable) means astonishing. Our obliging dictionaries go with the flow - changing meanings to ‘catch-up’ with society’s misuse. At least they do not do it in the reverse, that is, eager means anxious; astonishing means incredible.
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The phrase "awful lot of things" is an informal expression used to indicate a large or significant quantity of items or ideas. The word "awful" in this context does not imply a negative or unpleasant meaning but rather emphasizes the extent or magnitude of the quantity. It is similar to saying "a whole lot of things" or "a great number of things."
For example, if someone says, "I have an awful lot of things to do today," they are emphasizing that they have a substantial number of tasks or responsibilities to handle. It conveys a sense of being overwhelmed or having a significant amount of work ahead.
In general, the phrase is used to emphasize the quantity or extent of something without necessarily indicating a negative connotation.
Awfully good comment there.
Thanks. Then ‘informal’ means ignoring the connotation of a root word thus allowing for its use outside of its rightful meaning. Evidently our education system stopped providing root word analysis for the last 60 year. Ergo anxious (nervous) means eager; incredible (inconceivable) means astonishing. Our obliging dictionaries go with the flow - changing meanings to ‘catch-up’ with society’s misuse. At least they do not do it in the reverse, that is, eager means anxious; astonishing means incredible.
That's how English works. Thanks!