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Definition of frightfully

frightfully

/ˈfɹaɪt.fə.li/
fright · ful · ly
Adjective:frightful
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frightfully Lexical Profile

frightfully Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

British To a very great degree; extremely or exceedingly (used informally as an intensifier).

Example

"I am frightfully sorry for the delay in responding to your letter."

2

In a terrifying, horrifying, or shocking manner.

Example

"The storm winds howled frightfully through the narrow mountain pass all night."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for frightfully
Antonyms
View all antonyms for frightfully

Word Nuance & Usage

As a degree modifier meaning 'very' or 'extremely', 'frightfully' is chiefly associated with older or upper-class British English and can modify positive as well as negative adjectives (e.g., 'frightfully clever', 'frightfully sorry').

• Rhymes for frightfully

• Nearby Words

frightening
frighteningly
frightful
frightfully
frightfulness
frigid
frigidity

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from 'frightful' (from Old English 'fyrhto', meaning fear or trembling) plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Frightfully. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/frightfully
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