The word august (pronounced aw-GUST, not like the month) means impressively dignified, noble, or majestic. When something is august, it commands respect through its grandeur or importance.

An august institution might be a 200-year-old university with ivy-covered buildings and a history of famous scholars. An august ceremony could be a presidential inauguration or a Supreme Court swearing-in, something formal and weighty. You might describe a panel of distinguished scientists as an august assembly, or call someone an august figure in mathematics if they've made groundbreaking discoveries.

The word captures a sense of seriousness and earned respect. A brand-new treehouse club might be fun, but it's not august. The United States Senate, with its long history and constitutional importance, is an august body. A wise, experienced judge who has spent decades interpreting the law holds an august position.

Notice that august doesn't just mean old or fancy. It suggests something that deserves reverence because of its significance, dignity, or accomplishments. When you encounter something truly august, you feel you're in the presence of something important, something that has earned its respected place through time, wisdom, or achievement.