terrific

/tə'rifik/

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Word: Terrific

Part of Speech: Adjective

Basic Meaning: The word "terrific" has two main meanings that can be a bit confusing because they are very different from each other.

Usage Instructions:

• When using "terrific," be aware of the context. If you are talking about something positive, it usually means excellent. If you are discussing something scary, it may mean terrifying.

Examples:

• Positive Meaning: "I had a terrific time at the party!" (This means you had a great or enjoyable time.)
• Negative Meaning: "The terrific thunderstorm kept me awake all night." (This means the storm was very frightening.)

Advanced Usage:

In advanced contexts, "terrific" can also be used as an intensifier, meaning it emphasizes how great or intense something is. For instance, "She has a terrific talent for singing" means she has a very impressive talent.

Word Variants:

• Noun Form: Terrificness (the quality of being terrific)
• Adverb Form: Terrifically (in a terrific manner)

Different Meanings:

1. Original Meaning: Extremely frightening or terrifying.
2. Modern Meaning: Very good, excellent, or fantastic.

Synonyms:

• For the positive meaning: fantastic, wonderful, excellent, outstanding, superb.
• For the terrifying meaning: frightening, scary, alarming, horrifying.

Idioms:

There aren’t specific idioms that use "terrific," but you might hear phrases like "terrific shape" meaning in excellent physical condition.

Phrasal Verbs:

While "terrific" doesn't have specific phrasal verbs, you can combine it with other words for emphasis: - "terrific success" (very successful) - "terrific noise" (a very loud and possibly frightening noise)

Conclusion:

In summary, "terrific" can mean either something very good or something very scary, depending on how it is used.

Academic

Adjective

1. causing extreme terror
   • a terrifying wail
2. extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
   • a fantastic trip to the Orient
   • the film was fantastic!
   • a howling success
   • a marvelous collection of rare books
   • had a rattling conversation about politics
   • a tremendous achievement
3. very great or intense
   • a terrific noise
   • a terrific thunderstorm storm
   • fought a terrific battle

Synonyms

• terrifying