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B1 adjective #49 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

terrific

Top 49

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn basic adjectives like 'good' and 'big.' You can think of 'terrific' as a special, very strong version of 'good.' You don't need to use it all the time, but if you want to show that you are very happy about something, you can say 'Terrific!' instead of just 'Good.' For example, if your teacher says you did a good job, you can say 'Thank you, that is terrific!' It is a simple way to sound more excited. Just remember that it is a positive word. Even though it sounds a little like 'terror' or 'terrible,' in modern English, it always means something happy or excellent. You can use it to describe a 'terrific day' or a 'terrific cake.' It is a great word to add to your vocabulary to show your feelings more clearly. When you hear people say it, they will usually have a big smile on their face. It is one of the easiest ways to express that you are having a wonderful time or that you really like something. Try using it once a day to replace 'very good.'

As an A2 learner, you are building your ability to describe things in more detail. 'Terrific' is a useful word because it helps you avoid using 'very' too much. Instead of saying 'very good' or 'very nice,' you can use 'terrific.' At this level, you should practice using it with nouns. For example, 'We had a terrific holiday' or 'She is a terrific friend.' You can also use it to respond to news. If a friend says they passed a test, you can say 'That's terrific!' It shows you are listening and that you are happy for them. You might also notice that 'terrific' is often used to describe how people look. If someone is wearing a nice dress or suit, saying 'You look terrific!' is a very kind compliment. It is more powerful than saying 'You look nice.' At the A2 level, you should also be careful not to confuse it with 'terrible.' Remember: 'Terrific' is a 'thumbs up' word, and 'Terrible' is a 'thumbs down' word. Practice saying it with the correct stress on the second part: ter-RIF-ic. This will help you sound more natural when you speak with native speakers.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use a wider range of vocabulary to express opinions and emotions. 'Terrific' is a perfect 'intermediate' word because it is common in everyday speech but more descriptive than basic adjectives. You should understand that 'terrific' carries a sense of enthusiasm. It is not just a neutral statement of quality; it is an expression of approval. You can use it in professional contexts, such as 'You did a terrific job on that report,' to provide encouragement. You should also start to recognize common collocations—words that often go together with 'terrific.' These include 'terrific news,' 'terrific opportunity,' and 'terrific speed.' At this level, you can also use the adverb 'terrifically' to modify other adjectives, like 'It was terrifically expensive' (meaning very expensive). However, be aware that 'terrifically' is often used to mean 'extremely' rather than 'wonderfully' when it modifies other adjectives. Understanding this nuance will help you interpret more complex sentences. You should also be comfortable using 'terrific' in the predicative position, such as 'The view from the hotel was terrific.' It is a versatile tool for your speaking and writing exams.

For B2 learners, 'terrific' is a word that helps you achieve a more natural, idiomatic flow in your English. You should be aware of its history—how it moved from meaning 'frightening' to 'excellent'—as this explains why it is sometimes used to describe things of great size or intensity, like 'a terrific explosion' or 'a terrific amount of work.' While the positive meaning is most common, being aware of the 'intensity' aspect is important for reading comprehension. At this level, you should use 'terrific' to vary your register. It is less formal than 'exceptional' but more formal than 'awesome' or 'wicked.' It is particularly useful in business correspondence where you want to sound positive and energetic without being overly casual. You should also be able to use it sarcastically if the context allows, though this requires careful tone control. For example, 'Oh, terrific, another meeting' clearly means the opposite of excellent. B2 students should also practice using 'terrific' in complex sentence structures, such as 'Not only was the food terrific, but the service was also outstanding.' This shows a high level of control over both vocabulary and grammar.

At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of 'terrific' and its place within the hierarchy of positive adjectives. You should be able to distinguish between 'terrific,' 'sublime,' 'superb,' and 'magnificent.' While 'terrific' is energetic and common, 'sublime' might be used for something of such excellence it seems divine, and 'superb' for something of the highest technical quality. You should use 'terrific' to add a human, enthusiastic touch to your discourse. In C1 writing, such as an essay or a formal report, 'terrific' might be used sparingly to emphasize a particularly positive outcome, though more formal alternatives like 'extraordinary' might be preferred depending on the audience. You should also be sensitive to regional variations; for instance, how 'terrific' might be used differently in a New York business setting versus a London social club. Furthermore, you should be able to analyze the use of 'terrific' in literature or high-level journalism, where it might be used to evoke its older sense of 'great power' or 'overwhelming force.' Your goal is to use the word with precision, ensuring that its high-energy connotation aligns perfectly with your communicative intent.

As a C2 learner, your mastery of 'terrific' should be near-native. you understand the word not just as a synonym for 'good,' but as a versatile tool for modulation and emphasis. You are aware of its etymological journey and can appreciate its use in 19th-century texts where it might mean 'inspiring terror.' You can use 'terrific' with absolute precision in any register, from the most casual slang to the most nuanced professional critique. You might use it to create a specific rhetorical effect, perhaps pairing it with a more formal word for contrast, such as 'a terrific and multifaceted achievement.' You also understand the prosody of the word—how the rhythm and stress can change its impact in spoken English. You can detect the subtle difference between a genuine 'That's terrific!' and a polite, slightly distanced 'That's terrific.' At this level, you are also capable of using the adverb 'terrifically' in sophisticated ways, perhaps to intensify a negative adjective for ironic effect, such as 'terrifically boring.' Your use of 'terrific' is no longer about learning a word, but about wielding it as part of a rich, complex, and highly effective linguistic repertoire.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

terrific en 30 secondes

Terrific is a strong adjective used to mean 'excellent' or 'wonderful' in modern English.
It evolved from a word meaning 'scary' to one meaning 'great,' a process called amelioration.
It is commonly used to provide positive feedback in both social and professional settings.
The word is often paired with nouns like 'news,' 'job,' 'idea,' and 'opportunity.'

The word terrific is a powerful adjective in the English language that primarily functions as a high-intensity synonym for 'excellent,' 'wonderful,' or 'extraordinary.' In modern usage, it is almost exclusively positive, conveying a sense of deep admiration or enthusiasm. When you describe an experience as terrific, you are suggesting that it surpassed your expectations in a significant way. It is a versatile word that fits comfortably in both casual conversations and professional feedback, though it leans slightly toward the expressive and informal side of the spectrum. Understanding the nuance of terrific requires recognizing that it is more than just 'good'; it is a word that carries weight and energy.

Emotional Resonance: Terrific suggests a visceral reaction of joy or satisfaction. It is often used when the speaker is genuinely impressed by a result or a person's behavior.

The team did a terrific job on the presentation, and the clients were thoroughly impressed.

Historically, the word had a much darker meaning, rooted in the Latin 'terrificus,' which meant 'causing terror.' While you might still encounter this archaic usage in 18th or 19th-century literature (describing a 'terrific storm' or a 'terrific explosion' meaning frightening), modern speakers use it to mean 'great.' This shift is known as 'amelioration,' where a word's meaning improves over time. Today, if you tell a friend they look terrific, they will thank you for the compliment rather than running away in fear.

Common Contexts: You will hear this word in performance reviews, after watching a great movie, or when receiving good news about a friend's health or career.

That is terrific news! I am so happy for your promotion.

In terms of intensity, terrific sits above 'fine' and 'good,' and is roughly equivalent to 'fantastic' or 'superb.' It is often used to modify nouns that represent achievements or experiences. For example, a 'terrific meal' implies high quality and great taste, while a 'terrific speed' (a rare remnant of its old meaning) implies a speed that is so great it is almost overwhelming.

Social Nuance: Using terrific shows that you are engaged and positive. It is a 'high-energy' word that helps build rapport in social situations.

We had a terrific time at the concert last night; the band was incredible.

The garden looks terrific now that the roses are in full bloom.

You have a terrific sense of humor; you always make the whole office laugh.

Using terrific correctly involves understanding its placement as an adjective. It most commonly appears before a noun (attributive use) or after a linking verb like 'be,' 'seem,' or 'look' (predicative use). Because it is a non-gradable adjective in some contexts (meaning something is either terrific or it isn't), we don't usually say 'very terrific,' though 'absolutely terrific' is a common and acceptable intensifier. The word serves to elevate the noun it modifies, adding a layer of high approval.

Attributive Placement: When placed directly before a noun, it characterizes the noun immediately. Example: 'A terrific idea.'

She gave a terrific performance in the lead role of the play.

When using terrific after a verb, it describes the subject of the sentence. This is very common in spoken English when reacting to news or observations. For instance, if someone shows you their new car, you might say, 'That looks terrific!' This usage focuses on the appearance or the state of the object being discussed. It is a quick way to provide positive feedback without needing a complex sentence structure.

Predicative Placement: Used after verbs like 'is', 'was', 'feels', or 'smells'. Example: 'The dinner smells terrific.'

The weather was terrific throughout the entire week of our camping trip.

It is also important to note the types of nouns that terrific usually modifies. It is frequently paired with abstract nouns related to human effort or experience, such as 'success,' 'opportunity,' 'achievement,' 'start,' or 'effort.' Using it with concrete objects like 'a terrific chair' is possible but less common than using it for experiences like 'a terrific holiday.' It adds a sense of scale and impact to the noun.

Intensifying Terrific: Use 'absolutely' or 'truly' to add even more emphasis. Avoid 'very' as it can sound slightly redundant with such a strong word.

You have been a terrific help to me during this difficult transition.

The view from the top of the mountain was terrific and well worth the climb.

I think it is a terrific opportunity for you to travel and learn a new language.

You will encounter terrific in a wide variety of settings, ranging from high-stakes corporate environments to relaxed family dinners. It is a staple of 'enthusiastic' English. In professional settings, managers often use it to provide positive reinforcement. You might hear a CEO say, 'We've had a terrific quarter,' which signals to investors and employees that the company's performance has been exceptionally strong. It is a professional yet warm way to express success.

In Media and Entertainment: Movie critics and book reviewers use 'terrific' to signal a high recommendation. It often appears in 'blurbs' on the back of books.

The critic described the new thriller as a terrific read that keeps you guessing until the end.

In social media and digital communication, 'terrific' is a frequent choice for comments and replies. When someone posts a photo of a milestone—like a graduation or a new home—friends will often comment, 'Terrific news!' or 'You look terrific!' It serves as a quick, impactful way to show support. Unlike some slang terms that might feel out of place for older generations, 'terrific' is universally understood and appreciated across all age groups, making it a safe and effective choice for cross-generational communication.

In Customer Service: Waiters or hotel staff might use it to validate your choices: 'That's a terrific choice of wine, sir.'

'You have been a terrific audience tonight!' the comedian shouted as he left the stage.

In literature and journalism, 'terrific' is used to add descriptive flair. A sports journalist might write about a 'terrific comeback' by a team that was losing, emphasizing the dramatic and impressive nature of the win. It is also common in travel writing, where authors describe 'terrific vistas' or 'terrific hospitality.' Because it is a slightly more sophisticated word than 'great,' it helps elevate the tone of the writing while remaining accessible to a broad audience.

In Everyday Conversation: Used as a one-word response to good news. Person A: 'I passed my exam!' Person B: 'Terrific!'

It is terrific to see so many people volunteering for the charity event.

We had terrific seats for the game, right behind the home dugout.

The professor gave a terrific lecture on the history of jazz music.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with terrific is confusing it with its linguistic cousin, 'terrible.' While they both share the same Latin root 'terrere' (to frighten), their modern meanings are exact opposites. 'Terrible' means very bad, while 'terrific' means very good. This can lead to embarrassing situations if a learner accidentally says, 'The food was terrible!' when they meant to compliment the chef. Always remember: 'terrific' is the one you want for praise.

The 'Terrible' vs. 'Terrific' Trap: Mistake: 'I had a terrible time at the party!' (when you enjoyed it). Correction: 'I had a terrific time!'

Don't say 'That's terrible!' when your friend tells you they got a new job; use 'terrific' instead.

Another mistake involves the misuse of the adverb form. Learners sometimes use 'terrific' to describe an action, saying 'He runs terrific.' In English, adjectives describe nouns, and adverbs describe verbs. The correct form would be 'He runs terrifically' or 'He is a terrific runner.' While you might hear native speakers use adjectives as adverbs in very informal slang (e.g., 'He's doing terrific'), it is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in writing or formal speech.

Overusing the Word: While it is a great word, using it for every single positive thing can make your speech sound repetitive or insincere. Mix it up with 'wonderful' or 'great'.

Instead of saying everything is terrific, try using 'excellent' for work and 'lovely' for weather.

A subtle mistake is using 'terrific' in contexts where its original meaning of 'intense' or 'frightening' might be misinterpreted. While rare, phrases like 'a terrific explosion' or 'a terrific blow to the head' can still be found in literature. In these cases, it doesn't mean the explosion was 'good'; it means it was 'huge' or 'powerful.' However, in 99% of modern conversation, people will assume you mean 'excellent.' If you want to describe something large or powerful without the positive connotation, words like 'tremendous' or 'massive' are safer choices.

Pronunciation Pitfall: Some learners stress the first syllable (TER-rific). The correct stress is on the second syllable (ter-RIF-ic).

Make sure to emphasize the middle: ter-RIF-ic.

'Oh, terrific, it's raining and I forgot my umbrella,' is a common sarcastic use.

Be careful not to confuse terrific with 'terrifying,' which always means scary.

To truly master the use of terrific, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and understand when to choose one over the other. While 'terrific' is highly positive, other words might fit the specific 'flavor' of the situation better. For example, 'fantastic' often implies something imaginative or almost unbelievable, while 'superb' suggests a high level of craftsmanship or quality. 'Wonderful' has a softer, more emotional tone, often used for things that cause a sense of wonder or happiness.

Terrific vs. Awesome: 'Awesome' is very common in American English but can feel a bit informal or 'young.' 'Terrific' is slightly more mature and works better in a professional email.

While a teenager might say a skateboard trick was 'awesome,' a manager would say a report was terrific.

Another close relative is 'excellent.' 'Excellent' is perhaps the most neutral and formal of the group. It is a safe choice for any situation. 'Terrific,' by comparison, is more energetic. If you say a meal was 'excellent,' you are judging its quality. If you say it was 'terrific,' you are expressing how much you enjoyed it. Use 'terrific' when you want to show a bit more personality and enthusiasm in your speech.

Terrific vs. Great: 'Great' is the most basic positive adjective. 'Terrific' is like 'great' with an exclamation mark. It is a level up in intensity.

A 'great' movie is worth seeing, but a terrific movie is one you'll talk about for weeks.

For formal writing, you might consider 'exemplary' or 'outstanding.' These words suggest that the subject serves as a model for others. 'Terrific' is less about being a model and more about the immediate positive impact. In a recommendation letter, you might write, 'He has an outstanding work ethic,' but in a quick email of thanks, you would say, 'You've been a terrific help.' Understanding these subtle shifts in register will help you sound more like a native speaker.

British Alternatives: In the UK, you might also hear 'brilliant,' 'splendid,' or 'marvelous' used in similar ways to 'terrific.'

'That's a terrific idea!' is something you'll hear on both sides of the Atlantic.

The orchestra gave a terrific performance of the symphony, earning a standing ovation.

I had a terrific conversation with your father; he is a very interesting man.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The meaning of 'terrific' flipped from 'scary' to 'great' in the early 20th century, similar to how 'awesome' once meant 'inspiring fear'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /təˈrɪf.ɪk/

US /təˈrɪf.ɪk/

Second syllable (ter-RIF-ic)

Rime avec

specific scientific prolific pacific honorific beatific hieroglyphic calorific

Erreurs fréquentes

Stressing the first syllable (TER-rific)
Pronouncing the 'e' too clearly like 'teh-RIF-ic'
Confusing the ending with '-ickly' (adverb)
Confusing it with 'terrible'
Mumbling the middle 'rif' sound

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in context.

Écriture 3/5

Requires correct spelling and noun pairing.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires correct stress on the second syllable.

Écoute 2/5

Commonly heard in many contexts.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

good great wonderful terrible excellent

Apprends ensuite

superb outstanding exceptional marvelous tremendous

Avancé

exemplary magnificent sublime formidable phenomenal

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective placement

A terrific (adj) idea (noun).

Linking verbs

The news sounds (verb) terrific (adj).

Adverb formation

She sang terrifically (adv).

Non-gradable usage

Use 'absolutely terrific' instead of 'very terrific'.

Comparison

This is more terrific than the last one (rare but possible).

Exemples par niveau

The cake tastes terrific!

Le gâteau est délicieux !

Used after the linking verb 'tastes'.

You look terrific today.

Tu as l'air superbe aujourd'hui.

Used after the linking verb 'look'.

We had a terrific time at the park.

Nous avons passé un moment formidable au parc.

Attributive use before the noun 'time'.

That is terrific news!

C'est une excellente nouvelle !

Attributive use before the noun 'news'.

The weather is terrific.

Le temps est magnifique.

Predicative use after 'is'.

He is a terrific teacher.

C'est un professeur formidable.

Attributive use before 'teacher'.

I have a terrific idea.

J'ai une idée géniale.

Attributive use before 'idea'.

The movie was terrific.

Le film était génial.

Predicative use after 'was'.

She did a terrific job on her homework.

Elle a fait un travail formidable sur ses devoirs.

Modifying the noun 'job'.

It was a terrific party last night.

C'était une fête géniale hier soir.

Modifying the noun 'party'.

You have a terrific house.

Tu as une maison magnifique.

Modifying the noun 'house'.

The music at the concert was terrific.

La musique au concert était géniale.

Predicative use describing 'music'.

I feel terrific after my run.

Je me sens en pleine forme après ma course.

Used after the linking verb 'feel'.

That's a terrific color on you.

C'est une couleur qui te va à ravir.

Modifying the noun 'color'.

We saw a terrific play at the theater.

Nous avons vu une pièce de théâtre formidable.

Modifying the noun 'play'.

The hotel service was terrific.

Le service de l'hôtel était excellent.

Predicative use describing 'service'.

The company has seen terrific growth this year.

L'entreprise a connu une croissance phénoménale cette année.

Modifying the abstract noun 'growth'.

It's a terrific opportunity for your career.

C'est une opportunité fantastique pour ta carrière.

Modifying 'opportunity'.

The athlete showed terrific speed in the final lap.

L'athlète a fait preuve d'une vitesse incroyable dans le dernier tour.

Modifying 'speed' to show intensity.

I've had a terrific amount of help from my colleagues.

J'ai reçu une aide immense de la part de mes collègues.

Used to describe a large quantity.

The view from the balcony is absolutely terrific.

La vue depuis le balcon est absolument magnifique.

Intensified by the adverb 'absolutely'.

He has a terrific sense of responsibility.

Il a un sens des responsabilités remarquable.

Modifying 'sense of responsibility'.

The new restaurant has a terrific atmosphere.

Le nouveau restaurant a une ambiance géniale.

Modifying 'atmosphere'.

It was terrific to finally meet you in person.

C'était génial de te rencontrer enfin en personne.

Used with an 'it is... to' structure.

The project was a terrific success despite the initial setbacks.

Le projet a été un succès retentissant malgré les obstacles initiaux.

Modifying 'success' to show high impact.

She possesses a terrific talent for public speaking.

Elle possède un talent exceptionnel pour la prise de parole en public.

Modifying 'talent'.

The storm caused a terrific amount of damage to the coast.

La tempête a causé d'énormes dégâts sur la côte.

Using the 'intensity' sense of the word.

I think it's a terrific idea to diversify our investments.

Je pense que c'est une excellente idée de diversifier nos investissements.

Modifying 'idea' in a professional context.

The play was terrifically funny, and the audience loved it.

La pièce était terriblement drôle, et le public a adoré.

Using the adverb 'terrifically' as an intensifier.

He made a terrific effort to finish the marathon.

Il a fait un effort surhumain pour terminer le marathon.

Modifying 'effort'.

The results of the study were truly terrific.

Les résultats de l'étude étaient vraiment exceptionnels.

Intensified by 'truly'.

We are making terrific progress on the new software.

Nous faisons des progrès formidables sur le nouveau logiciel.

Modifying 'progress'.

The author's latest novel is a terrific achievement in contemporary fiction.

Le dernier roman de l'auteur est une réussite exceptionnelle dans la fiction contemporaine.

Formal use in literary criticism.

There is a terrific pressure on young people to succeed today.

Il y a une pression énorme sur les jeunes pour réussir aujourd'hui.

Using 'terrific' to mean 'intense' or 'great'.

The sheer scale of the project was terrific.

L'ampleur même du projet était impressionnante.

Focusing on the 'overwhelming' aspect of the word.

He gave a terrific account of his travels through Central Asia.

Il a fait un récit passionnant de ses voyages en Asie centrale.

Modifying 'account' (meaning story/report).

The economy is under terrific strain due to the rising energy costs.

L'économie est soumise à une pression énorme en raison de la hausse des coûts de l'énergie.

Formal use meaning 'intense'.

It was a terrific blow to his pride when he lost the election.

Ce fut un coup terrible pour sa fierté lorsqu'il a perdu l'élection.

Using 'terrific' to mean 'powerful' or 'severe'.

The museum houses a terrific collection of Renaissance art.

Le musée abrite une collection exceptionnelle d'art de la Renaissance.

Modifying 'collection'.

She has a terrific capacity for absorbing new information.

Elle a une capacité extraordinaire à absorber de nouvelles informations.

Modifying 'capacity'.

The sheer velocity of the impact was terrific, leaving the vehicle unrecognizable.

La vélocité même de l'impact était terrifiante, rendant le véhicule méconnaissable.

Using the archaic/intense sense in a technical context.

His performance was a terrific blend of technical mastery and emotional depth.

Sa performance était un mélange exceptionnel de maîtrise technique et de profondeur émotionnelle.

Nuanced use in high-level critique.

The company faces terrific competition in the global semiconductor market.

L'entreprise fait face à une concurrence féroce sur le marché mondial des semi-conducteurs.

Using 'terrific' to mean 'intense' in business.

The landscape possessed a terrific beauty that was both inspiring and daunting.

Le paysage possédait une beauté grandiose qui était à la fois inspirante et intimidante.

Capturing the 'awe-inspiring' nuance.

The project's failure was a terrific disappointment to the entire research team.

L'échec du projet a été une déception immense pour toute l'équipe de recherche.

Using 'terrific' to intensify a negative noun.

She argued her point with terrific force and clarity.

Elle a défendu son point de vue avec une force et une clarté extraordinaires.

Modifying 'force'.

The historical document provides a terrific insight into the social norms of the era.

Le document historique offre un aperçu exceptionnel des normes sociales de l'époque.

Modifying 'insight'.

The symphony reached a terrific crescendo that left the audience breathless.

La symphonie a atteint un crescendo grandiose qui a laissé le public sans voix.

Modifying 'crescendo'.

Collocations courantes

terrific news

terrific job

terrific speed

terrific success

terrific opportunity

terrific idea

terrific performance

terrific amount

terrific view

terrific fun

Phrases Courantes

That's terrific!

Look terrific

A terrific start

Terrific effort

Feel terrific

Terrific pace

Terrific variety

Terrific help

Terrific noise

Terrific value

Souvent confondu avec

terrific vs terrible

Terrible means very bad; terrific means very good.

terrific vs terrifying

Terrifying means very scary; terrific means excellent.

terrific vs tremendous

Tremendous often focuses on size, while terrific focuses on quality.

Expressions idiomatiques

"doing terrific"

To be performing very well or feeling very good.

How is the business? It's doing terrific.

informal

"a terrific hit"

Something that is extremely popular or successful.

The new song is a terrific hit.

neutral

"at a terrific rate"

Happening very quickly.

Technology is changing at a terrific rate.

neutral

"a terrific blow"

A sudden and very bad shock or event.

Losing the contract was a terrific blow.

neutral

"terrific stuff"

An expression of high praise for work or performance.

I just saw your design—terrific stuff!

informal

"in terrific shape"

In very good physical condition or organized well.

He's 80 but he's in terrific shape.

neutral

"a terrific row"

A very loud or intense argument (British).

They had a terrific row last night.

informal

"make a terrific impact"

To have a strong effect on something.

The new policy made a terrific impact.

formal

"terrific company"

Someone who is very enjoyable to spend time with.

Your sister is terrific company.

neutral

"a terrific bargain"

Something bought at a very good price.

I got this coat for ten dollars—a terrific bargain!

informal

Facile à confondre

terrific vs terrible

Similar root and sound.

Terrible is negative; terrific is positive.

The weather was terrible (rainy) vs. terrific (sunny).

terrific vs terrifying

Both come from 'terror'.

Terrifying causes fear; terrific causes joy.

A terrifying ghost vs. a terrific party.

terrific vs horrific

Similar suffix.

Horrific is always extremely negative (shocking/bad).

A horrific accident.

terrific vs specific

Rhyming ending.

Specific means particular; terrific means great.

Give me a specific reason.

terrific vs tremendous

Both mean 'very great'.

Tremendous is more about scale; terrific is more about approval.

A tremendous mountain vs. a terrific meal.

Structures de phrases

It is terrific.

You look terrific.

That is terrific news.

We had a terrific time.

It was a terrific success.

He did a terrifically good job.

A terrific amount of [noun].

A terrific amount of work.

The [noun] was of terrific [noun].

The impact was of terrific force.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in spoken English; Moderate in written English.

Erreurs courantes

Saying 'terrible' instead of 'terrific'. → That's terrific!
Terrible is bad; terrific is good. This is the most common error.
Stressing the first syllable. → ter-RIF-ic
Putting the stress on 'ter' sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Using 'terrific' as an adverb. → He played terrifically.
Terrific is an adjective and cannot describe a verb directly.
Using 'very terrific'. → Absolutely terrific.
Terrific is an absolute adjective; 'very' is too weak for it.
Confusing 'terrific' with 'terrifying'. → A terrific movie (good) vs A terrifying movie (scary).
They have different meanings despite the same root.

Astuces

Use for Compliments

It is a perfect word for praising someone's appearance or work.

Adjective vs Adverb

Use 'terrific' for things and 'terrifically' for how things are done.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use it for every single thing; keep it for things that are truly great.

Stress the Middle

Always put the emphasis on the 'RIF' part of the word.

Business Use

It's a great word for building positive relationships in professional emails.

Reacting to News

Use 'Terrific!' as a one-word reaction to show you are happy for someone.

Sarcasm Alert

Listen to the tone; if it sounds flat or angry, it might mean the opposite.

History Lesson

Remember its history to understand why it can also mean 'very large'.

Pair it Right

It goes best with words like 'news,' 'idea,' and 'performance.'

Beyond Good

Use it to show you have a higher level of English than just using 'good'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Terrific' as 'Terror-FIXED'. The terror is gone, and now it's just great!

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant 'T' made of gold and sparkling lights.

Word Web

excellent wonderful great fantastic superb marvelous amazing extraordinary

Défi

Try to use 'terrific' in three different ways today: as a compliment, as a reaction to news, and to describe a meal.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Latin 'terrificus', from 'terrere' (to frighten) and 'facere' (to make).

Sens originel : Causing terror or fear; frightening.

Indo-European (Latin branch)

Contexte culturel

Generally very safe, but avoid using it sarcastically in sensitive situations.

Commonly used in business and social etiquette to show support.

Charlotte's Web (the spider writes 'TERRIFIC' in her web) The movie 'It's a Wonderful Life' (uses similar enthusiastic language) Commonly used in 1950s American sitcoms to show wholesome approval

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At work

Terrific job!
A terrific presentation.
Terrific progress.
Terrific feedback.

With friends

You look terrific!
That's terrific news!
We had a terrific time.
Terrific idea!

At a restaurant

The food was terrific.
Terrific service.
A terrific meal.
Terrific atmosphere.

Travel

A terrific view.
Terrific weather.
A terrific holiday.
Terrific hospitality.

Sports

A terrific win.
Terrific speed.
A terrific effort.
Terrific performance.

Amorces de conversation

"I heard you got a new job; that's terrific! How are you feeling about it?"

"The weather today is just terrific, isn't it? Do you have any outdoor plans?"

"You look terrific today! Is that a new outfit you're wearing?"

"I saw the movie you recommended; it was terrific! What was your favorite part?"

"That's a terrific idea for the weekend. What time should we get started?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a terrific day you had recently. What made it so special?

Who is a terrific person in your life, and why do you admire them?

Write about a terrific achievement you are proud of. How did you reach it?

What would a terrific vacation look like for you? Describe the destination.

Think of a terrific book or movie. Why would you recommend it to others?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

In modern English, no. It almost always means 'excellent.' Its old meaning of 'scary' is very rare today.

It is better to say 'absolutely terrific' because terrific is already a very strong word.

It is semi-formal. It is fine for business emails but might be too emotional for a scientific paper.

The adverb is 'terrifically,' which means 'extremely' or 'very well.'

Yes, it is very common in both British and American English.

The stress is on the second syllable: ter-RIF-ic.

Yes, you can say 'She is a terrific person' to mean she is wonderful.

Yes, terrific is much stronger and more enthusiastic than good.

Only if used sarcastically, like 'Oh, terrific, I lost my keys.'

Common words include news, job, idea, success, and opportunity.