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

Example Sentences

Kellyman is terrific opposite Squibb, but this unconventional friendship tale is the kind of slight human interest story that slips from your consciousness almost as soon as it has made its brief impression.

From Los Angeles Times

"He is a terrific passer, but his great body movement allows him to let the ball run across him, then he has that great athleticism, which allows him to glide past people effortlessly."

From BBC

And are they worth this terrific spending spree?

From BBC

It’s just something there, running in the background — an unspoken acknowledgment that being American is a pretty terrific thing to be.

From Los Angeles Times

In conversation with Severson, Deen says the abolition of slavery was a “terrific change” but goes on to justify the system.

From Salon

Related Words

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