Terrific
təˈrɪfɪk
Definitions
2 meaningsCausing or likely to cause terror; extremely bad or serious.
təˈrɪfɪk
Causing or capable of causing terror; extremely bad or serious.
The movie had a terrific monster.
💡 Simply: Imagine something so scary it makes you want to run and hide! A terrific storm is like that, but now it's super rare to use it for that meaning.
👶 For kids: When something is so scary that it makes you scream!
More Examples
The storm was terrific, causing much damage.
How It's Used
"The storm was terrific, causing widespread destruction."
Extremely good; excellent.
təˈrɪfɪk
Extremely good; wonderful.
The movie was terrific!
💡 Simply: When something is *terrific*, it's like hitting a home run! It's awesome, great, and makes you feel really happy!
👶 For kids: When something is super, super good!
More Examples
We had a terrific time at the party.
He's a terrific cook.
How It's Used
"She did a terrific job on the presentation."
"The team played a terrific game."
Synonyms
From Latin *terrificus* (“frightening, causing terror”), from *terrere* (“to frighten”). The meaning shifted over time from 'frightening' to 'excellent'.
Initially used in the 17th century to mean 'causing terror' or 'frightening'. Over time, the meaning softened and shifted to its modern sense of 'excellent' in the 19th century.
Memory tip
Think of a terrible event that would fill you with terror.