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Dreadfully Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dreadfully

[ˈdrɛdfəli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a terrible manner

Used to emphasize the extent or severity of a situation, often with negative connotations.

Synonyms

awfully, horribly, terribly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dreadfully

See above. (duplicate word)
terribly

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
awfully

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
horribly

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

Examples of usage

  • She felt dreadfully lonely after her best friend moved away.
  • The news of the accident left them dreadfully shaken.
Context #2 | Adverb

very badly or unpleasantly

Used to describe something that is extremely unpleasant or causing great distress.

Synonyms

awfully, horribly, terribly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dreadfully

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
horribly

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
terribly

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
awfully

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

Examples of usage

  • The food in the restaurant was dreadfully overpriced.
  • He was dreadfully late for the meeting.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'dreadfully'

The word 'dreadfully' originated from the Middle English 'dredful,' which meant full of dread or fear. Over time, the adverb 'dreadfully' developed to express extreme severity or unpleasantness. It has been used in English literature and everyday language to emphasize negative situations and feelings since the 16th century.

See also: dread, dreaded, dreadful, dreadfulness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,666, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.