different between terribly vs dreadfully

English

Etymology

From terrible +? -ly.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?t??.?.bli/
• Hyphenation: ter?ri?bly

Adverb

terribly (comparative more terribly, superlative most terribly)

1. (literary or dated) So as to cause terror or awe.

   The lion roared terribly.
2. Very; extremely.

   He's terribly busy and you really shouldn't bother him.
3. Very badly.

   She took part in the karaoke, but sang terribly.

Usage notes

• Adjectives to which "terribly" is often applied: wrong, sorry, important, difficult, hard, afraid, sad, bad, expensive, long, upset, exciting, fast, excited, slow, cold, hot, busy, concerned, pleased, interesting, painful, funny, lonely, ill, good, tired, strong, confused, serious, fond, old, angry, anxious, effective, depressed, familiar, attractive, happy, poor, hungry, sick, big, nice, small, dull, clever, dirty, proud, disappointing, sweet, original, ashamed, efficient, successful, jealous, simple, strange, cruel.

Synonyms

• (causing terror or awe): grisly (obsolete)
• (very): very, extremely, awfully, horribly

Translations

English

Etymology

From Middle English dredfully, dradefullich, dredefullich, equivalent to dreadful +? -ly.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?d??d.f?l.i/

Adverb

dreadfully (comparative more dreadfully, superlative most dreadfully)

1. In a dreadful manner.
2. (dated) Exceptionally, eminently, very much.

   That restaurant seems dreadfully expensive.

Translations