Dreadfulness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dreadfulness

[ˈdrɛdfʊlnəs ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

The state or quality of being dread or dreadful; terrible or frightful character or aspect; terror; horror; frightfulness.

Synonyms

frightfulness, horror, terror.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dreadfulness	This term is used to describe something that causes a strong feeling of fear or dislike, often associated with a sense of severe discomfort or unease. The dreadfulness of the car accident left everyone in shock The dreadfulness of the situation was palpable as we waited for the news
terror	This term is typically used when describing an extreme and overwhelming sense of fear, often related to immediate danger or threat. It can also infer a sense of prolonged fear or dread. The citizens lived in terror under the dictator's rule The look of terror in his eyes was undeniable when he saw the snake
horror	Commonly used to describe a strong feeling of shock and fear, particularly in reaction to something perceived as gruesome or terrifying. Suitable for both supernatural and real-life contexts. She was paralyzed with horror when she saw the ghost The horror of the war left deep scars on the survivors
frightfulness	Use this word to express something that induces intense fear, horror, or shock, often with a focus on the physical appearance or the actual event. It has a slight negative connotation. The frightfulness of the old, abandoned house gave me chills The frightfulness of the monster in the movie was overwhelming

Examples of usage

The dreadfulness of the situation left everyone feeling anxious.
Her eyes widened in dreadfulness as she heard the news.
The dreadfulness of the storm kept everyone indoors.
The dreadfulness of the crime shocked the entire community.
The dreadfulness of the monster's appearance sent shivers down my spine.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Experiencing dread can trigger the body's fight-or-flight response, making you feel anxious or panicked in anticipating danger.
Studies show that chronic dread can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorders if left unaddressed.
The feeling of dread often arises when facing uncertainty, which our brains find particularly challenging to cope with.

Literature

Many horror stories and gothic novels use dreadfulness as a core theme, building suspense and fear over time.
Classic authors like Edgar Allan Poe often explored the feeling of dread, using it to enhance the emotional impact of their works.
In literature, the atmosphere of dread can often symbolize deeper fears or the unknown in human experience.

Pop Culture

Movies in the horror genre often create a sense of dread through eerie soundtracks and unsettling visuals, making audiences feel on edge.
Dreadfulness is a common theme in video games, where players must navigate frightening environments and uncertain outcomes.
The feeling is often used in music, as some artists create dark, moody songs that evoke a sense of dread or foreboding.

Origin of 'dreadfulness'

Main points about word origin

The word combines 'dread', which comes from an Old English word meaning 'to tremble' or 'to be afraid', with '-fulness', indicating a full state of something.
It has roots in Germanic languages, where similar terms existed, conveying fear and anxiety.
The prefix 'dread-' is also found in the word 'dreadnought', which refers to a ship that inspired fear during naval battles.

The word 'dreadfulness' originated from the Middle English word 'dredfulnesse', which was a combination of 'dredful' meaning 'full of dread' and the suffix '-nesse' indicating a state or condition. Over time, the word evolved to its current form, maintaining its essence of conveying a sense of terror or horror.

See also: dread, dreaded, dreadful, dreadfully.