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

Derived Forms

• terˈrifically, adverb

Other Words From

• ter·rifi·cal·ly adverb
• unter·rific adjective
• unter·rifi·cal·ly 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

"Our study's use of sequential pore functionalization to enhance CO2 uptake without significantly increasing regeneration energy is a terrific development," he said.

From Science Daily

There was also recognition for the terrific His Three Daughters, about three women who gather to care for their dying father, which won best screenplay.

From BBC

While December remains a sleepier month for new book releases than other times of the year, December 2024 offers quite a few terrific titles, so many that it was difficult to choose among them.

From Los Angeles Times

Near the end of the run, Fiske made a terrific move to fake out a would-be tackler.

From Los Angeles Times

Our latest entry spotlights a terrific subscription streamer for independent film fans.

From New York Times

Related Words

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