terrible
Definitions
Extremely bad, poor, or unpleasant
糟糕的，极坏的
Causing terror or great fear; frightful
可怕的，骇人的
(intensifying) very great in extent or degree
（加强语气）极大的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedterr- (frighten) + -ible (able to) = able to cause dread. Over time it weakened from 'inspiring terror' to a general 'very bad' — a terrible film isn't literally scary, just awful. The original 'frightful' sense survives in phrases like 'a terrible storm.'
Root terrere still carries 8 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.terrible mistake严重的错误
- 2.terrible accident严重的事故
- 3.feel terrible感觉很糟糕
- 4.terrible weather恶劣的天气
Example Sentences
- 1.
We had terrible weather the whole trip.
- 2.
Losing the championship was a terrible blow.
- 3.
A terrible storm swept across the coast.
Easily Confused
terrible vs terrific — Same root, opposite feelings. terrible = very bad (a terrible idea). terrific = very good (a terrific idea). Both started meaning 'causing terror,' but terrible drifted down to 'awful' while terrific flipped up to 'wonderful.' Don't let the shared 'terr-' fool you.