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

Newsrooms being breeding grounds for gallows humor, most also understand that futility is a terrific comedy catalyst.

From Salon

But this week he congratulated them on their engagement and said Swift is a "terrific person" so perhaps Kelce would visit, if the Chiefs can fix a date.

From BBC

Manager David Artell, who has been in charge since November 2023, called it a "terrific night for the football club, the whole town and the community".

From BBC

Peacemaker is acutely depressed by the thought that everyone but him is having a terrific life.

From Salon

“If they made it to Riverside and performed ‘Don’t Worry Baby,’ it would have been a terrific consolation, yes.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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