Terrific Meaning
Terrific Definition & Usage
Extremely good or impressive.
Examples
- "Her presentation was absolutely terrific, and everyone was impressed by her ideas."
- "We had a terrific time at the concert last night; the band was amazing!"
- "The view from the mountaintop was terrific – the landscape stretched as far as the eye could see."
- "You did a terrific job on the project; your attention to detail is exceptional."
- "That was a terrific meal! I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed food this much."
Used to describe something that causes fear or danger; terrifying.
Examples
- "The storm last night was terrific – it shook the whole house!"
- "He had a terrific fall when he tripped on the stairs."
- "The accident was a terrific sight, but thankfully no one was seriously hurt."
- "There was a terrific noise coming from the basement, and we weren’t sure what it was."
- "The car crash was so horrific, it left everyone in shock for days."
Cultural Context
'Terrific' has undergone a shift in meaning over the centuries. Originally derived from the Latin word 'terrificus,' meaning 'causing terror,' it was used in the sense of 'frightening' or 'dreadful.' Over time, the word evolved in English to describe something outstanding or exceptional, especially in American English. The modern positive usage is now dominant in most contexts, although the older, negative meaning still appears occasionally.
The Terrific Day of Sarah and John
Story
The Terrific Day of Sarah and John
Sarah and John had been looking forward to their hiking trip for weeks, but when the day finally came, it was even better than they imagined. As they trekked up the mountain, the view became more and more spectacular with each step. 'Wow, this is absolutely terrific!' Sarah exclaimed, taking in the breathtaking panorama of the valley below. The weather was perfect, with clear skies and a gentle breeze that made the climb enjoyable. As they reached the summit, they noticed a small café at the peak, offering hot drinks and snacks. 'This is a terrific place to relax,' John said, savoring his coffee with a smile. Later, as they made their way down the mountain, a sudden storm swept in, and the wind howled through the trees. 'That’s a terrific storm!' John joked nervously as they rushed to shelter. Despite the frightening turn of events, the storm passed quickly, and they were able to continue their hike safely. By the end of the day, both were exhausted but exhilarated. 'Today was terrific,' Sarah said, looking back at the mountain one last time. 'We should do this again next year.'
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