Terrible Meaning and Definition
Terrible
Pronunciation
/ˈtɛrɪbəl/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Extremely bad or unpleasant; of very poor quality.
Examples
- The movie was terrible, I walked out after an hour.
- He’s a terrible cook, his dishes are always inedible.
Synonyms
- Awful
- Appalling
Antonyms
- Excellent
- Wonderful
Additional Information
The word “terrible” can be used to express strong disapproval or discontent. It can also be used to describe something that is frightening or intimidating. In some cases, it can be used in a more casual or ironic way to describe something that is simply inconvenient or annoying.
In informal contexts, “terrible” can be used as a hyperbole to emphasize the negative quality of something. For example, “This coffee is terrible!” might mean that the coffee is merely bad, rather than literally the worst thing ever.
Etymology
The word “terrible” comes from the Old French “terrible”, meaning frightful or fearful, which is derived from the Latin “terrere”, meaning to frighten or intimidate.
Usage Notes
“Terrible” can be used as an adjective to describe a wide range of things, from events and experiences to people and objects. It can also be used as an adverb to intensify the negative quality of a verb or action.
Cultural References
The phrase “Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” is the title of a children’s book by Judith Viorst, which was later adapted into a film.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Terrible twos” refers to the tantrums and behavioral issues common in two-year-old children.
Related Words or Phrases
- “Terribly” (adverb)
- “Terribleness” (noun)
Collocations
- “Terrible news”
- “Have a terrible time”
Frequency of Use
The word “terrible” is moderately common in modern language, and is often used in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
- “Terible”
- “Terribel”