If you have me, you are quite amazed. Having some of me makes you quite praised. However, being full of me is not great. What am I?

The answer to the riddle lies in the multifaceted word "awe" and its linguistic relatives. The initial clue, "If you have me, you are quite amazed," perfectly captures the essence of awe as a profound emotion. It is often described as a feeling combining wonder, respect, and sometimes even a touch of fear, typically inspired by something grand, beautiful, or overwhelming. This powerful sensation can leave individuals feeling truly amazed and deeply moved by the experience.

The second part of the riddle, "Having some of me makes you quite praised," refers to the word "awesome." This term emerged in the late 16th century, directly from "awe," and initially meant "filled with awe" or "inspiring awe." While it once conveyed a sense of commanding respect or even dread, its meaning evolved over centuries. By the 20th century, "awesome" became a popular descriptor for something remarkable, impressive, or excellent, thus becoming a word of high praise.

However, "being full of me is not great" points to the word "awful." Interestingly, "awful" also shares its etymological root with "awe," replacing the Old English word "egeful," which meant "dreadful." Historically, "awful" signified something "worthy of respect or fear" or "causing dread." Yet, its meaning took a divergent path from "awesome," shifting in the early 19th century to describe something "very bad" or "unpleasant." This fascinating linguistic journey demonstrates how words stemming from the same origin can develop vastly different connotations over time.