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Terrific Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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terrific

[təˈrɪfɪk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing something very good or impressive

causing extreme fear or terror. causing great fear or terror. extremely good; wonderful.

Synonyms

amazing, excellent, fantastic, great, wonderful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
terrific

Used to describe something extremely good or impressive. It can also imply a sense of excitement or admiration.

  • You did a terrific job on your presentation!
  • The weather is terrific for a day at the beach.
fantastic

Often used to describe something extraordinarily good or wonderful. It can also imply a sense of imagination or unreality.

  • The new movie we watched was fantastic.
  • She has a fantastic sense of humor.
amazing

Used to describe something that causes a strong feeling of surprise or admiration. Suitable for both positive and neutral contexts.

  • The view from the top of the mountain is amazing.
  • She has an amazing talent for playing the piano.
excellent

Used to describe something that is of the highest quality or standard. Often used in formal settings.

  • Her report was excellent and very detailed.
  • This restaurant serves excellent food.
great

A very versatile word that can be used in various contexts to describe something good, big, or important. Commonly used in everyday conversation.

  • You did a great job cleaning the house.
  • We had a great time at the party.
wonderful

Used to describe something that brings a lot of joy or is extremely pleasing. It often has an emotional or heartfelt connotation.

  • We had a wonderful vacation last summer.
  • She is a wonderful person to be around.

Examples of usage

  • It's a terrific film, isn't it?
  • She did a terrific job organizing the event.
  • The special effects in the movie were terrific.
  • The news was terrific, and I felt like celebrating.
  • The team's performance was terrific, and they won the championship.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term gained popularity through various media, including TV shows and movies like 'The Terrifics', a comic book series.
  • Famous personalities have used this word in catchphrases, reinforcing its positive connotations in pop culture.
  • Songs and music often use 'terrific' in upbeat contexts to describe fun experiences or wonderful feelings.

Psychology

  • Using positive language, like 'terrific', can boost morale and create an optimistic environment.
  • Studies show that words with strong positive meanings can significantly affect people's outlook and emotional well-being.
  • Encouraging children to use words like 'terrific' can help enhance their vocabulary and emotional expression.

Literature

  • Many classic and contemporary authors use 'terrific' to add excitement or intensity to their storytelling.
  • In poetry, the word can evoke strong emotions and vivid imagery, enhancing the reader's experience.
  • Children's literature often employs terms like 'terrific' to describe adventures or characters, making stories more engaging.

Education

  • Teachers often encourage the use of words like 'terrific' to promote a positive learning atmosphere in classrooms.
  • Language lessons frequently focus on synonyms and antonyms of 'terrific' to expand students' vocabulary.
  • In creative writing, students may be taught to use the word to express strong enthusiasm about their work.

Origin of 'terrific'

Main points about word origin

  • Originally, the word meant 'causing terror' in the 15th century, deriving from the Latin 'terrificus'.
  • In the 18th century, the meaning shifted to a more positive connotation, emphasizing excellence rather than fear.
  • The word is often used in a variety of contexts, from events to achievements, to express strong approval.

The word 'terrific' originated in the late 17th century from the Latin word 'terrificus', which means 'causing terror'. Over time, the word evolved to also mean 'extremely good or impressive'. Today, 'terrific' is commonly used to describe something excellent or wonderful.

See also: terribly, terrorism, terrorist.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,609, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.