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Definition of terribly

terribly

/ˈtɛr.ə.bli/
ter · ri · bly
Adjective:terrible
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terribly Lexical Profile

terribly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

To a great or extreme degree; very or exceedingly.

Example

"She was terribly sorry for arriving late to the afternoon seminar."

2

In a very bad, poor, or distressing manner; dreadfully.

Example

"The project was managed terribly from the start, leading to missed deadlines and budget overruns."

3

In a manner that causes terror, fear, or awe; frightfully.

Example

"The winter storm raged terribly along the rocky coastline throughout the night."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for terribly
Antonyms
View all antonyms for terribly

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'terribly' literally means in a bad or dreadful manner, it frequently functions in conversational English as a neutral degree intensifier ('very' or 'extremely') that can modify even positive adjectives, as in 'terribly kind' or 'terribly exciting'.

• Rhymes for terribly

• Nearby Words

terrestrially
terrible
terribleness
terribly
terrier
terrific
terrifically

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from 'terrible' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly', tracing back through Old French to the Latin 'terribilis' (frightful), from 'terrere' (to frighten or fill with terror).

Cite this Entry

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