terrific
[tuh-rif-ik]
- extraordinarily great or intense: terrific speed.
- extremely good; wonderful: a terrific vacation.
- causing terror; terrifying.
Show More
Origin of terrific
Synonyms
See more synonyms for terrific on Thesaurus.com1, 2. extraordinary, remarkable. 2. fine, excellent.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for terrific
Contemporary Examples
On Monday Mount calls to say he thinks the script is terrific.
Marilyn Johnson is a writer with a terrific capacity for learning.
Iyer employs a terrific combination of erudition and absurdity that calls to mind the great postmodernists.
Lars Iyer’s ‘Wittgenstein Jr.’ Plumbs the Deep Fun of Philosophical FictionDrew Smith
October 1, 2014
“Our 18 working groups are a terrific resource to elected officials, whether they are running for president or not,” said Hook.
For all we know, Perdue may a terrific guy and a potentially great U.S. senator.
Historical Examples
The school was under the head-mastership of "the terrific Dr. Keate."
The Grand Old ManRichard B. Cook
Barry entered the army under the most terrific pressure only.
RidgewayScian Dubh
He saw the terrific pace that the Indian had set the others.
ThoroughbredsW. A. Fraser
In the end, it will be seen by what a terrific lesson I finally learned to swim.
Ned MyersJames Fenimore Cooper
We took the weight of the last in squalls, some of which were terrific.
Ned MyersJames Fenimore Cooper
terrific
- very great or intensea terrific noise
- informal very good; excellenta terrific singer
- very frightening
Show More
Word Origin
C17: from Latin terrificus, from terrēre to frighten; see -fic
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for terrific
adj.
1660s, "frightening," from Latin terrificus "causing terror or fear," from terrere "fill with fear" (see terrible) + root of facere "to make" (see factitious). Weakened sensed of "very great, severe" (e.g. terrific headache) appeared 1809; colloquial sense of "excellent" began 1888.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper