Terribly - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Terribly is an adverb meaning extremely or very, often used to emphasize negative qualities (e.g., terribly sad) or, informally, to mean very badly (e.g., He sang terribly). It can also express great extent in a neutral context (e.g., terribly excited).
Definition:
Extremely or severely; very badly or unpleasantly.
Synonyms:
awfully, dreadfully, extremely, horribly
Part of Speech:
adverb
Antonyms:
slightly, mildly, moderately
Common Collocations:
terribly sorry, terribly wrong, terribly upset, terribly afraid
Derivatives:
terrible, terribleness
Usage Tips:
Use "terribly" to emphasize extreme degrees of negativity or intensity in informal contexts.
Common Phrases:
terribly sorry, feel terribly about it, terribly wrong
Etymology:
Derived from Middle English "terrible," from Latin "terribilis," meaning causing fear or dread.
Examples:
- 1. She was terribly upset about the news.
- 2. The weather turned terribly cold overnight.
- 3. He apologized terribly for his mistake.
- 4. I feel terribly about forgetting your birthday.