terribly
/ˈtɛɹ.ɪ.bli/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
So as to cause terror or awe.
AdverbRegister: dated, literary
Examples
The lion roared terribly.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Very; extremely.
Adverb
Examples
He's terribly busy and you really shouldn't bother him.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “terribly” mean?
So as to cause terror or awe.
Is “terribly” formal or informal?
terribly is generally dated, literary.