be in awe of
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- 1 be in awe of、regard with respectful fear
Describes feeling respectful awe toward someone or something with authority, dignity, or power, making it difficult to oppose or treat lightly.
be in awe of、regard with respectful fear
Means to regard a person, authority, or deity with a combination of respect, awe, and fear.
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จงยำเกรงพระเจ้า coŋ yam kreeŋ phrá câw Fear and revere God. จงยำเกรงพระเจ้า details
Learning notes
Explanation
ยำเกรง expresses more than ordinary fear. It combines apprehension with deep respect for someone's authority, dignity, or power. It often suggests that the person or authority cannot be opposed or treated casually. Its object may be a powerful person, a leader, an institution, the law, or a deity. In religious writing, it commonly conveys reverence and submission to God. Although ยำ can refer to mixing food in other contexts, that culinary meaning is unrelated to this word.
Usage
It is used when describing awe toward powerful leaders, authorities, laws, or deities. It is especially common in formal descriptions, historical or political contexts, and religious writing, and it carries more weight than the everyday word กลัว.
Caution
Do not normally use ยำเกรง for ordinary fear of snakes, ghosts, pain, or similar threats; กลัว is appropriate there. For respect without fear or awe, เคารพ or นับถือ is usually a better choice.
Differences from similar words
1 be in awe of synonyms
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กลัว is the general word for being afraid of danger, pain, animals, and many other things. ยำเกรง specifically combines fear with respect for authority or dignity.
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เกรง has a broader range, including being apprehensive, concerned, or reluctant out of consideration. ยำเกรง more specifically expresses respectful awe toward authority, power, or dignity.
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เคารพ focuses on respect and does not necessarily imply fear. ยำเกรง adds awe, apprehension, and a sense that the person or authority should not be defied.