Horrifically: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something very bad or unpleasant, with an emphasis on an element of horror or extreme unpleasantness.

• The accident was horrifically gruesome, leaving everyone in shock.
• The movie depicted horrifically violent scenes that were hard to watch.

Employed when describing something that induces a great amount of fear or terror; typically used in more intense situations.

• The storm's approach was terrifyingly fast.
• He was terrifyingly close to the edge of the cliff.

Commonly used to intensify an adjective, often in a casual or informal setting. It can mean 'very' but carries a slight negative connotation.

• I'm awfully tired after such a long day.
• The food at that restaurant was awfully bad.

Used to describe something that causes a great deal of surprise or shock, often due to its unexpected nature.

• The news was shockingly unexpected for everyone.
• The prices at the store were shockingly high.

Use this word when describing something that is shockingly bad or causes a lot of fear.

• The accident left the car horrifically damaged.
• The horror movie was horrifically scary.

This word works well when talking about events or actions that have led to a very bad outcome. It has a strong negative connotation.

• The project failed disastrously, costing the company millions.
• The weather turned disastrously bad just before the wedding.

Use 'terribly' when describing something very bad or unpleasant. It is often used in a casual context and can also imply a sense of empathy or regret.

• I'm terribly sorry for your loss.
• The weather has been terribly hot this week.

Dreadfully is often used to describe something that is extremely bad, often in a more general sense. It can also show a sense of personal dismay.

• I'm feeling dreadfully ill today.
• The food at that restaurant is dreadfully tasteless.