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Horrifically Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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horrifically

[həˈrɪfɪkli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in describing a situation

In a horrifying manner, causing horror or disgust.

Synonyms

awfully, shockingly, terrifyingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
horrifically

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.
terrifyingly

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.
awfully

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.
shockingly

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.

Examples of usage

  • She screamed horrifically when she saw the crime scene.
  • The movie was so horrifically violent that I had to look away.
Context #2 | Adverb

in describing a performance or event

In a very unpleasant or shocking way.

Synonyms

disastrously, dreadfully, terribly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
horrifically

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.
disastrously

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.
terribly

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

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.

Examples of usage

  • The singer performed horrifically at the concert.
  • The team played horrifically in the final game.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The horror genre in film often utilizes the concept of things happening 'horrifically' to evoke strong emotional responses.
  • Classic horror films like 'Psycho' and 'The Shining' present events that unfold horrifically, making them unforgettable.
  • In video games, horrific elements are used in games like 'Resident Evil' to heighten tension and fear.

Psychology

  • Encountering things horrifically can trigger strong emotional reactions, often tied to deep-seated fears.
  • Studies show that witnessing horrifically violent events can lead to long-term psychological effects like PTSD.
  • The brain processes horrific imagery differently, often focusing on panic and survival.

Literature

  • Many authors, like Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft, use horror to explore the human psyche and fear.
  • Poetry sometimes conveys themes horrifically as a device to reflect societal issues or personal struggles.
  • Classic literature features elements that are described horrifically to highlight moral and ethical dilemmas.

Film & Media

  • Films categorized under horror often include scenes depicted horrifically to captivate and terrify audiences.
  • Documentaries about true crime sometimes present events horrifically to evoke empathy and outrage.
  • Visual effects technology has advanced, allowing filmmakers to represent horror more horrifically and realistically than ever before.

Origin of 'horrifically'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'horrific' comes from the Latin root 'horrificus', meaning to shudder or tremble.
  • It entered the English language in the late 18th century, often used to describe frightening experiences.
  • The addition of the suffix '-ly' turns 'horrific' into an adverb, describing how something is done.

The word 'horrifically' is derived from the word 'horror', which has been in use since the late 16th century. The suffix '-ically' is added to form the adverb 'horrifically', indicating the manner in which something is done in a horrifying or shocking way. The use of 'horrifically' has become more common in modern English to emphasize the extreme nature of a situation or event.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,673, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.