Terribly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฑ
terribly
[หterษbli ]
Definitions
used to emphasize the degree of something negative
In a very unsatisfactory or inadequate manner; very badly.
Synonyms
awfully, dreadfully, horribly, poorly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| terribly |
Used to describe something extremely bad or to emphasize a strong feeling.
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| awfully |
Used to indicate something very bad or to intensify an adjective. Can sometimes be used in a colloquial and informal manner.
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| dreadfully |
Used to describe something extremely unpleasant or bad. It has a slightly more literary and formal tone.
|
| horribly |
Used to describe something very bad or something that causes horror. It usually carries a strong negative connotation.
|
| poorly |
Used to describe something done in a bad or inadequate way, often related to performance or health.
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Examples of usage
- He played terribly in the match yesterday.
- She felt terribly sorry for what she had done.
- The weather was terribly cold.
- The food tasted terribly salty.
- I slept terribly last night.
used to describe something causing fear or dread
In a way that causes terror; extremely.
Synonyms
frightfully, horrifically, terrifyingly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| terribly |
Used in both formal and informal settings to express something very bad or to add emphasis. It can have a negative connotation.
|
| frightfully |
Typically used in a formal or somewhat old-fashioned context to signify something very bad or shocking, often used to emphasize exaggeration.
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| horrifically |
Used to describe something extremely shocking and often involving a sense of horror. Typically used in serious or dramatic contexts.
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| terrifyingly |
Used to express something that causes extreme fear. Often related to situations that are truly frightening.
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Examples of usage
- The news of the accident was terribly shocking.
- She was terribly afraid of spiders.
- He felt terribly nervous before the presentation.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Using the term can amplify feelings of anxiety or distress, as it expresses a sense of severity.
- People often use extreme words like this to make their feelings clearer, especially in difficult situations.
Pop Culture
- In movies and shows, characters might describe an experience or event as 'terribly' challenging, emphasizing their struggle for dramatic effect.
- The phrase 'terribly fun' is a common contradiction used in entertainment to create humor around unexpected joy.
Literature
- Authors often use 'terribly' to convey deep emotion, emphasizing the intensity of a characterโs feelings or actions.
- Poets might pair it with words like 'beautiful' to highlight the juxtaposition of bad and good in life.
Daily Life
- 'Terribly' can express strong feelings in conversation, like saying you are 'terribly sorry' helps convey sincere apology.
- People may use it in everyday situations, such as saying they were 'terribly late' to emphasize how late they really were.
Origin of 'terribly'
Main points about word origin
- Originating from the word 'terrible', which comes from the Latin 'terribilis', meaning fearful or dreadful.
- The suffix '-ly' is often added to adjectives to form adverbs that describe how something is done, giving a feeling of intensity.
The word 'terribly' originated from the Middle English word 'terrible' which meant 'causing terror or fear'. Over time, the adverb form 'terribly' evolved to describe something done in a very unsatisfactory or inadequate manner. It has been commonly used in the English language to emphasize the intensity of negative situations or emotions.