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Terrifically: meaning, definitions and examples

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terrifically

 

[ tɛˈrɪfɪkli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

intensifying degree

Terrifically is an adverb that means extremely or very much. It is often used to emphasize the degree of something in a positive or enthusiastic way.

Synonyms

extremely, incredibly, remarkably, very

Examples of usage

  • The performance was terrifically entertaining.
  • She did terrifically well on her exam.
  • They are terrifically excited about the concert.
  • His terrifically unique ideas impressed everyone.

Translations

Translations of the word "terrifically" in other languages:

🇵🇹 terrificamente

🇮🇳 शानदार तरीके से

🇩🇪 fabelhaft

🇮🇩 sangat luar biasa

🇺🇦 чудово

🇵🇱 fantastycznie

🇯🇵 素晴らしく

🇫🇷 terriblement bien

🇪🇸 increíblemente

🇹🇷 harika bir şekilde

🇰🇷 엄청나게

🇸🇦 بشكل رائع

🇨🇿 skvěle

🇸🇰 nádherne

🇨🇳 极好地

🇸🇮 fantastično

🇮🇸 frábærlega

🇰🇿 тамаша түрде

🇬🇪 საოცრად

🇦🇿 möhtəşəm şəkildə

🇲🇽 increíblemente

Word origin

The term 'terrifically' comes from the adjective 'terrific', which originally meant 'causing terror' when it was first recorded in the 18th century. The word derives from the Latin 'terrificus', meaning 'causing terror', with 'terri-' from 'terrere' which means 'to frighten.' However, by the 19th century, the meaning of 'terrific' shifted significantly in colloquial usage to denote something wonderful or excellent, often used in a hyperbolic context. The adverb form 'terrifically' naturally evolved from this adjective. Over time, 'terrifically' has come to express intense approval or admiration, displacing its original connotation of fear or horror. This semantic shift reflects broader changes in the English language, where many words have undergone transformations in meaning based on popular usage.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,407 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.