Dreadfully: meaning, definitions and examples

See above. (duplicate word)

Can be used to emphasize both positive and negative situations but is most commonly associated with negative situations, feelings, or experiences.

• I feel terribly sick
• She did terribly on the exam
• It was terribly nice of you to come

Commonly used to mean 'very' or 'extremely' in a negative or positive sense. It can emphasize how bad something is or how much someone likes or dislikes something.

• I'm awfully sorry for being late
• It was awfully kind of you to help

Used to describe something extremely unpleasant or shocking, often in a way that causes disgust or severe discomfort.

• The accident left him horribly injured
• The food tasted horribly bad

Used to emphasize something very bad or unpleasant, often in a formal or slightly old-fashioned sense.

• The weather was dreadfully cold
• He behaved dreadfully towards his friends

Emphasizes something shockingly bad or unpleasant, often with a sense of horror or disgust. Has a negative connotation.

• The movie was horribly violent
• He treated her horribly

Commonly used to emphasize a strong degree of something, can be either positive or negative depending on context.

• I'm terribly excited about the trip
• The service was terribly slow

Used informally to emphasize something in a dramatic or exaggerated way, often not necessarily negative.

• I'm awfully sorry for being late
• She looks awfully tired today