terrible
terrible
Pronunciation
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
ter- /tɛr/ - The "t" sound as in "tea," the "e" sound as in "bed," and the "r" sound as in "red."
-ri- /ə/ - The "schwa" sound, a very short and unstressed "uh" sound.
-ble /bəl/ - The "b" sound as in "bat," followed by the schwa sound, and then the "l" sound as in "light."
Word Form Variations
"Terrible" is primarily an adjective. Its word form variations are related to its use in comparative and superlative degrees, and a related adverb and noun:
Adjective:
Positive: terrible
Comparative: more terrible
Superlative: most terrible
Adverb: terribly
Noun: terribleness (less common, but exists)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Definition 1: Causing or capable of causing great fear, dread, or alarm; inspiring terror.
Synonyms: dreadful, frightening, alarming, horrifying, terrifying, awful
Antonyms: reassuring, comforting, pleasant, delightful, soothing
Definition 2: Extremely bad or of very poor quality; exceptionally unpleasant or unsatisfactory.
Synonyms: awful, dreadful, dreadful, atrocious, dreadful, abysmal, dreadful, rotten, dreadful
Antonyms: excellent, wonderful, great, superb, fantastic, pleasant
Definition 3: Indicating extreme degree or intensity; very great or severe. (Often used informally to emphasize the extent of something negative.)
Synonyms: immense, intense, extreme, severe, considerable, profound
Antonyms: slight, minor, negligible, moderate, insignificant
Examples of Use
Books: "It was a terrible beauty he now saw, a vastness that dwarfed human ambition and even human suffering." (From The Overstory by Richard Powers, April 2018)
Newspapers: "Economists warn that the new trade tariffs could have a terrible impact on consumer prices and global markets." ( The Wall Street Journal)
Online Publications: "Our review of the latest superhero blockbuster found the plot to be terrible, despite a strong cast." (IGN.com)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms (Film): "I've got a terrible feeling about this." (Often paraphrased from various thrillers and suspense films, e.g., Star Wars: A New Hope, May 1977)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms (Music): In the song "Terrible Things" by Halestorm, the lyrics explore the darker aspects of human nature and the challenges of the world. (From the album Vicious)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms (Television): A character might exclaim, "Oh, that's terrible!" in response to bad news on a dramatic series. (Common across many TV shows, e.g., The Crown)
General Public Discourse (Social Media): "The traffic on the highway today was absolutely terrible! Took me two hours to go five miles. #commuterlife" (X, formerly Twitter)
General Public Discourse (Everyday Conversation): "I had a terrible headache last night, couldn't sleep a wink." (Common informal speech, any time)
General Public Discourse (News Report/Interview): "The mayor described the damage from the storm as 'truly terrible,' urging residents to stay safe." (Local news broadcast)
10 Quotes Using Terrible
"War is terrible, but slavery is worse." (W. E. B. Du Bois)
"The terrible thing about the originally terrible thing is that it is no longer terrible." (Friedrich Nietzsche)
"I have a terrible temper, and it's a terrible thing to have a temper." (Michael Caine)
"It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision." (Helen Keller)
"Love is a terrible thing and it is not a dream." (William Carlos Williams)
"It's a terrible thing, I think, in life to wait until you're ready. I don't think you're ever going to be ready. Do it now." (Louise Fitzhugh)
"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. Or at a terrible painting." (Banksy, referencing Oscar Wilde)
"Man is a terrible creature. His hands are full of blood." (Fyodor Dostoevsky)
"The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved." (Mother Teresa)
"If I have to be a terrible person to succeed, then I'd rather fail." (Frank Lloyd Wright)
Etymology
The word "terrible" has a fascinating journey through languages!
Its roots go all the way back to an ancient language called Proto-Indo-European, where there was a sound like "*tros-" which meant "to make afraid" or "to tremble."
From there, it evolved into the Latin word "terrere," meaning "to frighten" or "to fill with fear." Think of words like "terror" which clearly come from the same source!
Then, "terrere" gave us the Latin adjective "terribilis," meaning "frightful" or "inspiring terror." This word was then borrowed into Old French as "terrible" around the 12th century.
The first known use of "terrible" in English dates back to around 1400. At that time, its main meaning was "causing terror; that excites or is fitted to excite awe or dread; frightful." So, something described as "terrible" in those days would truly inspire fear or a sense of immense, intimidating power, sometimes even in a respectful or awe-inspiring way, like "the terrible power of God."
Over time, especially by the 18th century, the word started to weaken in its meaning. It became more of an intensifier, meaning simply "very great" or "severe" (like "a terrible headache"). And eventually, it took on its very common modern meaning of "very bad" or "of poor quality," which is probably how we use it most often today.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Terrible
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "terrible":
Terrible twos: Refers to a stage in a child's development, typically around two years old, characterized by temper tantrums and defiant behavior.
Have a terrible temper: To be easily angered or prone to outbursts of anger.
A terrible beauty: A phrase often used to describe something that is both beautiful and awe-inspiring, yet also destructive, dangerous, or profoundly disturbing.
Come to a terrible end: To suffer a very bad or tragic fate.
Be in a terrible state: To be in a very bad or distressed condition, either physically, emotionally, or regarding a situation.
A terrible mistake: A significant and regrettable error.
Feel terrible about something: To feel very guilty, regretful, or upset about an action or situation.
That's terrible! An exclamation used to express dismay, sympathy, or shock at bad news.
A terrible waste: An unfortunate and significant squandering of resources, talent, or opportunity.
The terrible truth: An unpleasant, harsh, or shocking reality that must be faced.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of terrible from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
