Terribly

Definition

Terribly is an adverb used to describe the extent or degree of a particular action or adjective, often indicating a high degree or to a distressing extent. It can also serve as an informal intensifier.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɛrəbli/
• Respelling: TER-uh-blee (with "TER" as in "terrible," "uh" as a schwa sound like the 'a' in "sofa," and "blee" as in "glee")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɛrəbli/
• Respelling: TER-uh-blee (similar to American English, with "TER" as in "terrible," "uh" as in "sofa," and "blee" like in "glee")

In both dialects, "terribly" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "TER." The word is consistent across both American and British English, highlighting the straightforward nature of its phonetic realization.

Etymology

The term "terribly" is derived from the adjective "terrible" which traces its roots to the Latin word terribilis, from terrēre meaning ‘to frighten’. The suffix "-ly" was added to convert it to an adverb, indicative of manner.

Derivatives

• Terrible (adjective)
• Terrify (verb)
• Terrifying (adjective)
• Terrific (adjective)
• Terrified (adjective)

Synonyms

• Horribly
• Awfully
• Dreadfully

Antonyms

• Wonderfully
• Marvelously
• Splendidly

Usage

The word "terribly" can be used to describe something done to an extreme or alarming degree or to intensify a meaning colloquially.

Related Terms

• Terrify
• Horribly
• Awfully

Detailed Definition

Adverb

• To a high degree: Used to emphasize the degree or extent of a particular situation, action, or adjective.
• Example: He was terribly upset after hearing the news.

• Distressing or alarming extent: Signifying a distressing, alarming, or negative extent or degree.
• Example: The house was in a terribly neglected state.

• Informal Intensifier: Used informally as an intensifier for adjectives or other adverbs.
• Example: That's a terribly good idea you've come up with.

Note

The word "terribly" can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on how it is applied:

• In a negative context, "terribly" is an adverb used to emphasize the severity or seriousness of something bad or unpleasant. For example, "He was terribly injured in the accident" or "The weather was terribly bad for the picnic."
• In a positive context, which is often colloquial or informal, "terribly" can be used to intensify a positive adjective in a way that is similar to "very" or "extremely." For example, "She was terribly clever" or "We were terribly excited about the news."