Horribly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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horribly

[หˆhษ”หrษชbli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

used to describe an action or situation in a very bad or unpleasant way

In a terrible way; causing or likely to cause horror; shockingly bad or dreadful. Extremely badly or unpleasantly.

Synonyms

awfully, dreadfully, terribly.

Examples of usage

  • She was horribly injured in the accident.
  • The food tasted horribly.
Context #2 | Adjective

used to describe something that is very bad or unpleasant

In a very unpleasant or shocking manner. Of a very poor or low standard; very bad or unpleasant.

Synonyms

awful, dreadful, terrible.

Examples of usage

  • The movie was horribly boring.
  • The house was in a horribly dilapidated condition.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many horror novels use the word to create a sense of suspense, making readers anticipate terrible events.
  • Famous works like Mary Shelleyโ€™s 'Frankenstein' or Bram Stokerโ€™s 'Dracula' use horrifying choices that can be described as 'horribly' performed.

Pop Culture

  • The term appears often in movie reviews and discussions about horror films, emphasizing the extreme reactions audiences can have.
  • Catchphrases like 'That was horrible!' are common after shocking moments in popular TV shows and films.

Psychology

  • Experiences described as 'horribly' can lead to strong emotional responses, often triggering fear or anxiety.
  • The study of trauma examines how events perceived as horrible impact mental health and coping mechanisms.

Everyday Usage

  • People often describe bad experiences, like bad weather or unfortunate events, as 'horribly' uncomfortable or annoying.
  • Itโ€™s common in discussions about feelings and experiences to emphasize just how bad something was.

Origin of 'horribly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'horror', meaning 'to shudder' or 'to tremble', showing its ties to fear.
  • It has been in the English language since the late 14th century, originally used to describe something that causes fear or dread.

The word 'horribly' is derived from the Middle English word 'horrible', which comes from the Latin 'horribilis' meaning 'terrible' or 'frightful'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to convey extreme negativity or unpleasantness.


See also: horrendous, horrible, horrific, horrified, horrify, horrifying.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,767, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.