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

Through it all, James was terrific, keeping the Lakers engaged and in the game even when it teetered.

From Los Angeles Times

And thanks to a terrific cast, led by sensational Ukrainian tenor Bogdan Volkov, and the vivid conducting of Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla’s sleekly modern production by Polish director Krzysztof Warlikowski, “The Idiot” turned out to be Salzburg’s hottest ticket.

From Los Angeles Times

On top of being a terrific pre-holiday workout, the Great Walk debunks the ever-persistent beliefs that L.A. is not a walking city and that its physical sprawl impedes the ability to build community.

From Los Angeles Times

Jayden Daniels has been terrific, and Terry McLaurin is rolling.

From Los Angeles Times

James was terrific — he scored 39 points, made six threes and played with force.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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