Aweful

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Aweful Written by Margaret S (5/6/2007 9:09 a.m.) in consequence of the missive, An awful object called Darcy, penned by Robbin

Definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)

aw·ful –adjective
1. extremely bad; unpleasant; ugly: awful paintings; an awful job.
2. inspiring fear; dreadful; terrible: an awful noise.
3. solemnly impressive; inspiring awe: the awful majesty of alpine peaks.
4. full of awe; reverential.
5. extremely dangerous, risky, injurious, etc.: That was an awful fall she had. He took an awful chance by driving here so fast.
–adverb
6. Informal. very; extremely: He did an awful good job of painting the barn. It's awful hot in here.

[Origin: 1200–50; ME a(g)heful, aueful; see AWE, -FUL; r. OE egefull dreadful ]

I have two Penguin editions of the text, form 1975 and 2005. They both use term “aweful”. The html version on pemberly.com uses “aweful” as well. I’ve only seen use of the word “awful” in e-text on pemberly.com.

I think Bingley has definitions 3 and 4 in mind when he uses the adjective here.

What strikes me about this conversation is that Darcy is particularly pleasant on Sunday afternoons when he has nothing to do. He is a landed gentleman worth 10,000 a year – what could he possibly have to do on other days of the week!!!

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An awful object called Darcy Robbin (5/6/2007 1:40 a.m.)

Was it a sign of excellent taste... Moni (5/7/2007 11:32 a.m.)
- Not really bored aristocrat-type but just bored Darcy Robbin (5/8/2007 12:16 a.m.)
  - Agree, and it seems to... Moni (5/8/2007 10:02 a.m.)
Bingley uncomfortable as the topic of conversation? Lia (5/6/2007 12:31 p.m.)
- Good points... Robbin (5/6/2007 3:18 p.m.)
  - Yes, excellent observation, Lia! nfm Arnie Perlstein (5/6/2007 7:02 p.m.)
Aweful Margaret S (5/6/2007 9:09 a.m.)
- Sundays were different Tracy W (5/6/2007 6:01 p.m.)
- Good catch… Robbin (5/6/2007 10:41 a.m.)
  - Awful vs. Awe-ful Lia (5/6/2007 11:34 a.m.)
    - Yes, better to insult Darcy rather than Lizzy! ;D Robbin (5/6/2007 3:11 p.m.)
      - Word transitions   Lia (5/6/2007 3:53 p.m.)
        
        When used in reference to a deity (which Bingley may...   Adrian (5/6/2007 7:20 p.m.)
        
        I can certainly see Darcy as "formidable"! (nfm)   Lia (5/6/2007 7:33 p.m.)
- In full agreement with you (nfm) Donna H (5/6/2007 10:30 a.m.)

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