terrifically

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terrifically

The team played terrifically and won the championship.

Definition

Adverb: 1. Extremely; to a very great degree: Used as an intensifier to emphasize that something is done to an exceptional extent or is of a very high degree. 2. Extremely well; excellently: Used to describe something performed or executed in an outstanding manner.

Usage

Terrifically is used to intensify an adjective or another adverb. It is often used in positive contexts to express admiration or to indicate a very high degree of a quality.

Examples
  • The team played terrifically and won the championship. (Here, modifies the verb 'played' to mean 'extremely well'.)
  • It was a terrifically exciting movie from start to finish. (Here, modifies the adjective 'exciting' to mean 'extremely'.)
  • She is a terrifically talented musician. (Here, modifies the adjective 'talented' to mean 'extremely'.)
  • The project was terrifically difficult, but we managed to finish it. (Here, modifies the adjective 'difficult' to mean 'extremely'.)
Advanced Usage
  • Used as an intensifier: In modern usage, often functions primarily as a general intensifier (similar to , , or ), rather than carrying its original connotation related to terror. Its meaning is derived from context.
    • The party was terrifically fun. (Meaning: The party was extremely fun.)
    • He's terrifically rich. (Meaning: He is extremely rich.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Terrific (Adjective):
    • Of great size, amount, or intensity. (e.g., a terrific storm)
    • Extremely good; excellent. (e.g., a terrific book)
  • Terror (Noun): Extreme fear.
  • Terrifying (Adjective): Causing extreme fear.
Synonyms
  • Extremely
  • Incredibly
  • Exceptionally
  • Wonderfully
  • Superbly (when meaning 'extremely well')
  • Awfully (informal, as an intensifier)
  • Fantastically
Notes on Meaning

The word terrifically has undergone a process of semantic change. It originates from the root terror, meaning extreme fear. Historically, it meant "in a way that causes terror." However, in contemporary English, it is almost exclusively used as a positive intensifier meaning "extremely" or "extremely well," with the connection to fear being largely obsolete in common usage.

terrifically

The team played terrifically and won the championship.

Adverb
  1. (used as an intensifier) extremely well
    • her voice is superbly disciplined
    • the colors changed wondrously slowly