terribly
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for terribly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Very badly or poorly.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From terrible + the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Full origin of terribly →Frequently asked questions
What does “terribly” mean?
The word “terribly” means very badly or poorly. In plain terms, can mean "very badly" or simply "very," depending on context.
How do you pronounce “terribly”?
“Terribly” is pronounced TEHR-ih-blee (/ˈtɛɹ.ɪ.bli/ in IPA).
How do you use “terribly” in a sentence?
Here is “terribly” used in a sentence: “The team played terribly in the second half.”
What part of speech is “terribly”?
“Terribly” is an adverb.
Is “terribly” a common word?
“Terribly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “terribly” have?
“Terribly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: very badly or poorly.
What is the difference between "terribly" and "terrible"?
"Terribly" is an adverb, while "terrible" is an adjective. Use "terrible" to describe a noun (a terrible mistake) and "terribly" to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb (she sang terribly; terribly cold).
Does "terribly" always mean something bad?
No. "Terribly" has two distinct uses: it can mean "very badly" (he played terribly), but it also works simply as an intensifier meaning "extremely" (I'm terribly sorry; terribly kind). In the intensifier sense it carries no negative meaning at all.
What is the difference between "terribly" and "very"?
Both can strengthen an adjective, but "terribly" is more emphatic and emotional than "very" (terribly sorry feels stronger than very sorry). Unlike "very," "terribly" can also mean "badly," as in "the team performed terribly."
Is "terribly" formal or informal?
Used as an intensifier, "terribly" (as in terribly grateful or terribly sorry) sounds polite and slightly formal, and is especially common in British English. In everyday speech, "really" or "so" often replace it.