dreadfully
Americanadverb
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in a dreadful way.
The pain has increased dreadfully.
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very; extremely.
Sorry to be so dreadfully late.
adverb
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in a shocking, or disagreeable manner
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(intensifier)
you're dreadfully kind
Etymology
Origin of dreadfully
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Former Ultravox frontman Midge Ure tweeted: "Dreadfully sad. Lovely man. Thoughts go out to his family and friends."
From BBC • Dec. 24, 2016
"Dreadfully sorry!" said Connie, who had opened her eyes, however, as though Alice's tone astonished her.
From Lady Connie by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.
"Dreadfully," replied Mrs. Goddard, half angry and half amused at his impatience and subsequent contrition.
From A Tale of a Lonely Parish by Crawford, F. Marion (Francis Marion)
"Dreadfully," said the maiden lady, and tried to look and tried not to look at the same time.
From Kipps The Story of a Simple Soul by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)
Dreadfully sorry, girls, to be so late; really couldn't help it.
From The Little Missis by Skinner, Charlotte
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
