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Definition of dreadfully

dreadfully

/ˈdrɛdfəli/
dread · ful · ly
Adjective:dreadful
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dreadfully Lexical Profile

dreadfully Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

To an extreme or excessive degree; very or exceedingly (especially with reference to something unpleasant or undesirable).

Example

"I am dreadfully sorry for the inconvenience caused by the delayed flight."

2

In a terrible, shocking, or very poor manner.

Example

"The orchestra played dreadfully during the final rehearsal because they had barely practiced together."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

dread
dreaded
dreadful
dreadfully
dreadfulness
dreadlock
dreadlocked

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the adjective "dreadful" plus the adverbial suffix "-ly", ultimately tracing back to the Old English verb "ondrædan", meaning to fear or be terrified.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dreadfully. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 1, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dreadfully
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