terrific

[tuh-rif-ik]

adjective

1. extraordinarily great or intense.

   terrific speed.

   Synonyms: remarkable, extraordinary

2. extremely good; wonderful.

   a terrific vacation.

   Synonyms: excellent, fine, remarkable, extraordinary

3. causing terror; terrifying.

terrific

/ təˈrɪfɪk /

adjective

1. very great or intense

   a terrific noise

2. informal,  very good; excellent

   a terrific singer

3. very frightening

Other Word Forms

• terrifically adverb
• unterrific adjective
• unterrifically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrific¹

1660–70; < Latin terrificus frightening, equivalent to terr ( ēre ) to frighten + -i- -i- + -ficus -fic

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrific¹

C17: from Latin terrificus, from terrēre to frighten; see _-fic

Related Words

• amazing 
• breathtaking 
• excellent 
• fabulous 
• fantastic 
• great 
• hot 
• magnificent 
• marvelous 
• outstanding 
• sensational 
• superb