# aw

> English word · Interjection · IPA /ɔː/ · frequency rank #5,760

## Definitions
1. Used to express disappointment or dismay.
2. Used to express mild protest, entreaty, consternation, or disapproval.
3. Used to express affection.
4. Used to anticipate reporting to a person in authority that the listener has done something wrong.

## Etymology
Natural exclamation.

## Easily confused with
- **AZ** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/aw-vs-az)
- **ay** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/aw-vs-ay)
- **ax** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/aw-vs-ax)
- **aye** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/aw-vs-aye)
- **awe** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/aw-vs-awe)
- **axe** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/aw-vs-axe)
- **aww** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/aw-vs-aww)
- **AWS** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/aw-vs-aws)
- **ayr** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/aw-vs-ayr)
- **Ayn** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/aw-vs-ayn)
- **aya** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/aw-vs-aya)
- **awa** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/aw-vs-awa)
- **away** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/aw-vs-away)
- **awry** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/aw-vs-awry)
- **AWOL** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/aw-vs-awol)
- **awed** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/aw-vs-awed)
- **oar** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/aw-vs-oar)
- **A** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/a-vs-aw)
- **as** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/as-vs-aw)
- **at** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/at-vs-aw)

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/aw