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adj Uncommon

horrid

HO-rihd

Horrid (adj) means Very unpleasant, nasty, or unkind. Example: “What a horrid thing to say to your sister!”

adj
1
Very unpleasant, nasty, or unkind.
"What a horrid thing to say to your sister!"
"The medicine had a horrid, bitter taste."

How to use horrid

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNasty or unpleasant — a slightly old-fashioned, often mild way of saying something is disagreeable.

When to use it

Sounds a little dated or British-genteel compared with the more common "horrible".

Word forms

horrider comparative, more horrid comparative, horridest superlative, most horrid superlative

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What a _____ thing to say to your sister!

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin horridus ("bristly, rough, shaggy"), from horrere ("to bristle, tremble").

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for horrid

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Frequently asked questions

What does “horrid” mean?

The word “horrid” means very unpleasant, nasty, or unkind. In plain terms, nasty or unpleasant — a slightly old-fashioned, often mild way of saying something is disagreeable.

How do you pronounce “horrid”?

“Horrid” is pronounced HO-rihd (/ˈhɔ.ɹɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “horrid” in a sentence?

Here is “horrid” used in a sentence: “What a horrid thing to say to your sister!”

What is another word for “horrid”?

Words with a similar meaning to “horrid” include abominable, alarming, appalling, awful, dire and dreadful.

What part of speech is “horrid”?

“Horrid” is an adjective.

Where does the word “horrid” come from?

The word “horrid” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin horridus ("bristly, rough, shaggy"), from horrere ("to bristle, tremble").

Is “horrid” a common word?

“Horrid” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial