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terribly

adv. degree
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈtɛɹəbɫi// UK //tˈɛɹəbli// ter·ri·bly Archaic General-service Literary

adv. very much or to a high degree. You use this to make an adjective or verb stronger, often when talking about something bad or when being very polite.

adv. to an extreme degree; very. Often functions as an intensifier for adjectives with negative connotations or as a polite, slightly formal intensifier in British English.


SIMPLE

I am terribly sorry for being late.

CONTEXTUAL

The weather was terribly cold during our walk, so we decided to head back early for tea.

COMPLEX

The protagonist is terribly conflicted about his decision, torn between his duty to his family and his personal desire for freedom.

Synonyms
Origin

Inherited from Middle English terribli. By surface analysis, terrible + -ly.

Usage

Functions as an intensifier; typically precedes the adjective or adverb it modifies.

Pitfall

The movie was terribly.The movie was terrible.Learners often confuse the adverb 'terribly' with the adjective 'terrible'. Use the adverb only to modify adjectives, adverbs, or verbs.

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