dreadfully
Americanadverb
-
in a dreadful way.
The pain has increased dreadfully.
-
very; extremely.
Sorry to be so dreadfully late.
adverb
-
in a shocking, or disagreeable manner
-
(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.
“We don’t hire our personal lawyer to give us political advice, but to make sure we operate lawfully and stay out of legal trouble,” she said.
From Washington Times • Oct. 11, 2022
“I want to emphasize that the Chinese government consistently requires Chinese companies abroad to operate lawfully and abide by local laws and regulations.”
From Reuters • Nov. 21, 2017
“I want to emphasize that the Chinese government consistently requires Chinese companies abroad to operate lawfully and abide by local laws and regulations.”
From Reuters • Nov. 21, 2017
"Plaintiffs will be allowed to operate lawfully while continuing their efforts to obtain privileges," Federal Judge John deGravelles wrote in the decision.
From Chicago Tribune • Aug. 31, 2014
"Plaintiffs will be allowed to operate lawfully while continuing their efforts to obtain privileges," deGravelles wrote.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 31, 2014
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.