terrific - Master This Word

terrific Word Meanings

• extremely good or impressive
• inspiring great fear or awe
• fantastic

terrific Example Sentences

Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.

• The movie was terrific.
• I had a terrific day at the park.
• Her singing is really terrific.
• This pizza tastes terrific.
• They did a terrific job on the project.

terrific Word Etymology

terrific = terrify + -ic; Origin: Latin 'terrere' → Old French → English. Imagine a thrilling roller coaster ride that both excites and terrifies; it's a 'terrific' experience!

English Brain Route

I push the door and step into the bright room. The lights shift, the crowd rises, and a wave of awe rolls through me. I hold my breath, then let out a quick laugh as the moment feels terrific. That feeling stays with me, guiding how I talk and act on projects, turning ordinary effort into something terrific.

Real Context

Terrific is an English adjective with two main currents of meaning. In everyday use it means extremely good or impressive, as in a terrific performance, a terrific view, or a terrific idea that excites the imagination. A rarer sense links the word to fear or awe, emphasizing a powerful or overwhelming feeling, though this is less common in modern speech. The historical tie to terror comes from terrify and the suffix -ic, but the contemporary positive sense is dominant in most contexts. For learners, tone and context decide whether terrific signals exuberant praise or a strong, thrilling impression rather than danger.

Usage Reminders

• Remember: terrific is informal and intense; use with nouns or noun phrases; avoid in very formal writing; it can modify adjectives with a noun after it; compare with fantastic or amazing for nuance; listen for tone when it means awe or fear.

Common Misconceptions

• It always means scary or terrifying
• It is a formal, rare word used mainly in academic writing
• It cannot describe people or be used for people
• It must be followed by a noun directly without a determiner
• Its negative form terrifying is the same thing

Thinking Differences

Terrific is a high-impact, positive intensifier in modern English; learners should note its frequent use in casual speech and avoid overdoing it in formal writing.

Learning Tips

• Practice using terrific with nouns (terrific day), and with phrases (terrific idea).
• Note the two senses: superb praise vs awe or fear in rare cases.
• Compare with fantastic and amazing to pick the right nuance.
• Pay attention to tone when someone says it as genuine praise vs sarcasm.
• Avoid overusing in formal writing; reserve for casual contexts.
• Listen for collocations; common pairings include performance, view, idea, taste.

5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English

Related Listening

🔥 Advanced

🔥 Advanced

Parent-Teacher Discussion about Progress and a Beach Trip

Parenting & Education

2026.01.24 · 1:29 · B2 · IELTS · Dialogue

Listen Now