Kilo Lingo

/təˈrɪfɪk/

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Coloured illustration of terrific
#2128 of 5,000 Core 5000

Translation

Extremely good; also very great in size or degree.

Word origin

From Latin terrificus, causing terror, from terrere, to frighten; in the 1800s the meaning flipped from frightening to very good.

Origin
Latin
Root
terrificus
English cognates
terror, terrible

Examples

.

Here "terrific" means extremely good.

.

"Terrific" is a warm, informal way to praise something.

.

Here "terrific" means very great or very loud.

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This word is part of lesson 43.