Dreadful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฑ
dreadful
[หdrษdfสl ]
Definition
feeling or causing great fear or suffering
Extremely bad, unpleasant, or poor; causing dread; causing fear or terror; inspiring awe or reverence; causing great suffering or distress.
Synonyms
awful, dreaded, frightful, horrible, terrible.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dreadful |
Used to describe something that causes intense fear or disgust. Can also be used to express how bad something is.
|
| terrible |
Commonly used to describe something very bad or unpleasant. It can also mean causing fear or dread.
|
| horrible |
Used to describe something very unpleasant, shocking, or causing horror.
|
| awful |
Often used to emphasize the severity of something bad or unpleasant. Can also mean very impressive or daunting in an older context, but this usage is less common now.
|
| frightful |
Usually used to describe something very shocking or alarming. It can also mean very bad, though this usage is somewhat old-fashioned.
|
| dreaded |
Used to describe something that is greatly feared or anticipated with unease.
|
Examples of usage
- It was a dreadful experience that I never want to go through again.
- The dreadful news left everyone in shock.
- The dreadful sight of the accident haunted her for weeks.
- The war brought dreadful consequences to the country.
- The dreadful conditions in the prison were inhumane.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In classic horror novels, 'dreadful' is often employed to set a dark, ominous tone, making readers feel tense.
- Shakespeare used the term in 'Macbeth,' enhancing the emotional weight of tragedy and despair.
- Early Gothic literature frequently used 'dreadful' to evoke feelings of suspense and fear in readers.
Pop Culture
- 'Dreadful' is commonly used in movies and shows to describe a terrible event or a villainโs actions, like in horror films.
- In the viral game 'DreadOut,' the term reflects the eerie atmosphere and sense of fear players experience.
- The use of 'dreadful' in many popular songs often communicates feelings of heartbreak or despair.
Psychology
- Experiencing something described as 'dreadful' can trigger feelings of anxiety, leading to a heightened state of alert.
- The anticipation of a 'dreadful' event can lead to avoidance behavior, where individuals steer clear of potentially negative situations.
- Fear responses associated with 'dreadful' situations can be tied to our survival instincts, alerting us to danger.
Everyday Use
- People often describe bad weather as 'dreadful,' especially when it disrupts plans or makes outdoor activities unpleasant.
- In casual conversation, someone might say a meal was 'dreadful' if it didn't taste good at all.
- The term is often used humorously among friends to exaggerate minor inconveniences or mishaps.
Origin of 'dreadful'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle English 'dredful,' which means 'full of dread' or 'causing fear.'
- It combines the Old English word 'drฤa,' meaning 'fear' or 'terror,' with the suffix '-ful,' which signifies 'full of.'
- Initially, it was used in literature to describe severe or intense fears.
The word 'dreadful' originated from the Middle English word 'dredful', which was a combination of 'dred' meaning fear and 'ful' meaning full of. Over time, the word evolved to its current form, retaining its meaning of causing great fear or suffering. It has been used in English literature and language for centuries to describe something extremely bad, unpleasant, or causing dread. The word has maintained its relevance and usage in modern English, continuing to convey the strong emotions of fear, terror, and suffering.
See also: dread, dreaded, dreadfully, dreadfulness.