Horrifically: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "horrifically" in other languages:

🇵🇹 horrivelmente

🇮🇳 भयानक रूप से

🇩🇪 schrecklich

🇮🇩 dengan mengerikan

🇺🇦 жахливо

🇵🇱 strasznie

🇯🇵 恐ろしく (おそろしく)

🇫🇷 horriblement

🇪🇸 horriblemente

🇹🇷 dehşet verici bir şekilde

🇰🇷 끔찍하게 (kkeumjjikhage)

🇸🇦 بشكل مروع (bishakl murue)

🇨🇿 hrozně

🇸🇰 hrozne

🇨🇳 可怕地 (kěpà de)

🇸🇮 grozno

🇮🇸 hræðilega

🇰🇿 қорқынышты түрде

🇬🇪 საშინლად (sashinlad)

🇦🇿 dəhşətli şəkildə

🇲🇽 horriblemente

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.

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39670 supercharge
39671 lustfully
39672 wittier
39673 horrifically
39674 jennet
39675 unassessed
39676 festively
...