terribly
gb/tˈɛɹɪbli/ us/tˈɛɹɪbli/
B1
English
~ 5000
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
property
1
To a very great extent
Used to say that something is very or extremely much.
Usage pattern:
terribly [adjective/adverb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think 'terribly' always means 'in a bad way', but it can also mean 'very' in a neutral or positive sense.
Synonyms
extremely (Neutral adverb meaning 'to a very great degree' without negative connotation.)
|
very (Common intensifier, less formal and more frequent in everyday speech.)
Antonyms
slightly (Indicates a small degree, opposite of very great extent.)
Collocations
terribly sorry
|terribly important
|terribly difficult
|terribly expensive
Themes
intensity
|communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I'm terribly sorry for being late.
- The food was terribly expensive at that restaurant.
- She was terribly excited about her new job.
- He drives terribly fast on the highway.
Learner examples
- I am terribly tired today.
- The movie was terribly long.
- She is terribly happy now.
- It is terribly cold outside.
adverb
B1
property
2
In a very poor manner
In a way that is very bad or unpleasant.
Usage pattern:
to do [something] terribly
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this meaning with the intensifier sense and use it incorrectly with positive adjectives.
Synonyms
badly (General term for poor performance or low quality.)
Antonyms
well (Indicates good quality or performance, opposite of badly.)
Collocations
play terribly
|perform terribly
|write terribly
Themes
evaluation
|quality
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He played terribly in the match.
- The plan was terribly executed.
- She sings terribly when she's nervous.
Learner examples
- I cook terribly without a recipe.
- He writes terribly when he is tired.
- They played terribly in the game.
Grammar
Dictionary form
terribly
IPA
GB/tˈɛɹɪbli/
US/tˈɛɹɪbli/
Syllables & stress
ter - ribly (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ter)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: terribly
- Plural: terriblies
Word family
Expressions
terribly important
1/tˈɛɹɪbli ɪmpˈɔɹtənt/
fixed phrase
Extremely important
Very, very important.
Examples
- It’s terribly important to be on time for the meeting.
- Good communication is terribly important in a relationship.
terribly sorry
1/tˈɛɹɪbli sˈɑɹi/
fixed phrase
Feeling extremely apologetic
Used to say you are very sorry about something.
Examples
- I’m terribly sorry I missed your call.
- We’re terribly sorry for the inconvenience caused.
terribly wrong
1/tˈɛɹɪbli ɹˈɔŋ/
fixed phrase
Extremely incorrect or mistaken
Very wrong or not correct at all.
Examples
- Something has gone terribly wrong with the computer.
- You are terribly wrong about that assumption.