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terrivelmente

A2 adverb #3,000 most common 13 min read

terrivelmente

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips terrivelmente in 30 Seconds

Explanation terrivelmente in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe things. You probably know the word 'muito' (very). 'Terrivelmente' is like a much stronger version of 'muito'. It comes from the word 'terrível' (terrible). Even though it's a long word, you can think of it as 'very, very, very'. For example, if you are 'muito cansado', you are tired. If you are 'terrivelmente cansado', you are so tired you can barely walk! At this level, don't worry about using it all the time. Just recognize that when you see a long word ending in '-mente', it usually works like '-ly' in English. 'Terrivelmente' = 'Terribly'. You might see it in simple stories or hear it when people are complaining about the weather or being tired. It is an adverb, which means it describes an action or a quality. It never changes its form. It is always 'terrivelmente', whether you are a man or a woman, or talking about one thing or many things. This makes it easier to remember than adjectives which change their endings. Try to remember it as a 'power-up' word for when 'muito' isn't enough to show how you feel.

At the A2 level, you are building your vocabulary to express more specific feelings and opinions. 'Terrivelmente' is a great word for this. It is an adverb of intensity. You use it to show that an adjective is at a very high level. Common pairings at this level include 'terrivelmente difícil' (terribly difficult) or 'terrivelmente caro' (terribly expensive). You should start noticing that it is often used for negative things or things that are difficult to deal with. It's a bit more dramatic than 'muito' or 'bastante'. In Portuguese, adverbs like this usually go before the adjective. So, you say 'O carro é terrivelmente velho'. You can also use it to describe how someone does something. If someone plays guitar and it sounds bad, you can say 'Ele toca terrivelmente'. Notice how the root 'terrível' loses its accent when it becomes 'terrivelmente'. This is a common rule in Portuguese: when you add '-mente' to an adjective that has an accent on the last or second-to-last syllable, the accent usually disappears because the stress of the word moves to the 'men' part. Practicing this word will help you sound more expressive and less like a textbook.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'terrivelmente' to add nuance and emotion to your speech and writing. You are now moving beyond simple descriptions and starting to express complex reactions. 'Terrivelmente' is often used in the 'pretérito imperfeito' or 'pretérito perfeito' to describe past states or events with impact. For example, 'Eu estava terrivelmente preocupado com o exame'. At this level, you should also understand its role as a 'softener' in negative sentences, similar to English. 'Não foi terrivelmente mau' means it wasn't 'that' bad, or it was actually okay. This ironic or understated use is a sign of higher proficiency. You should also start to distinguish between 'terrivelmente' and other adverbs like 'extremamente'. While 'extremamente' is neutral and can be used for positive things (extremamente feliz), 'terrivelmente' carries a weight of 'terror' or 'suffering', making it more suitable for situations involving stress, difficulty, or failure. In your writing, use it to create a stronger connection with the reader by showing the depth of a character's feelings or the severity of a problem. It's an excellent word for narrative compositions and personal letters.

At the B2 level, you should be aware of the stylistic and social weight of 'terrivelmente'. In professional or academic contexts, it can be used to emphasize the gravity of a situation. For instance, in a business report, 'o projeto foi terrivelmente executado' is a very strong critique of the quality of work. At this level, you should also be aware of regional variations and cultural references. In Brazil, the phrase 'terrivelmente evangélico' became a major political talking point, illustrating how an adverb can be used to define an identity or a political stance. You should also be able to use 'terrivelmente' in more complex grammatical structures, such as within subordinate clauses or in conjunction with other adverbs. Remember the stylistic rule: if you have two adverbs of manner, only the second one needs the '-mente' suffix, but 'terrivelmente' is often treated as an intensifier and kept whole. For example: 'Ele agiu terrivelmente e rudemente' (He acted terribly and rudely) is possible, but 'Ele agiu de forma terrível e rude' is often more elegant. At B2, you are expected to choose the most 'natural' sounding option based on the register of the conversation.

At the C1 level, you are refining your command of the language's expressive power. 'Terrivelmente' becomes a tool for precise rhetorical effect. You might use it in a speech to highlight social injustices or in a literary analysis to describe the 'terrible' beauty of a poem. You should understand the etymological link to 'terror' and how authors use this to evoke a sense of dread even when using the word as a simple intensifier. This is the level where you can play with the word's placement for poetic effect, although Portuguese is generally stricter about adverb placement than English. You should also be able to recognize when 'terrivelmente' is used sarcastically. In high-level social interactions, saying something was 'terrivelmente interessante' might actually mean it was quite boring or strange, depending on the tone of voice. Your ability to pick up on these subtle cues is what defines C1 proficiency. Furthermore, you should be able to compare 'terrivelmente' with more obscure synonyms like 'atrozmente' or 'pavorosamente', choosing the one that fits the specific 'flavor' of the terror or intensity you wish to convey.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native grasp of the adverb's placement, history, and evocative potential. You understand that 'terrivelmente' belongs to a class of adverbs that have undergone 'bleaching'—where the original strong meaning (causing terror) has weakened into a general intensifier (very), yet the original meaning can still be 're-activated' in certain literary or philosophical contexts. You can use 'terrivelmente' to discuss complex abstract concepts, such as 'a terrivelmente curta duração da vida' (the terribly short duration of life), where the word choice reflects a philosophical stance on human existence. You are also aware of how the word functions in various Portuguese-speaking cultures beyond just Brazil and Portugal, such as in Angolan or Mozambican literature, where it might be used to describe the harsh realities of post-colonial life. At this level, your use of 'terrivelmente' is not just about grammar or vocabulary; it's about using the full historical and emotional resonance of the word to communicate with sophistication, irony, and depth. You can seamlessly integrate it into any register, from a legal argument to a passionate poetic monologue, always choosing the exact placement that serves your rhetorical goals.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

terrivelmente in 30 Seconds

Terrivelmente is an adverb meaning 'terribly' or 'extremely'.
It is used to intensify adjectives like 'tired', 'expensive', or 'difficult'.
It remains invariable, meaning it never changes for gender or number.
It often carries a negative or dramatic tone in Portuguese conversation.

The Portuguese word terrivelmente is a powerful adverb that functions similarly to its English cognate, "terribly." At its core, it is derived from the adjective terrível (terrible) combined with the suffix -mente, which is the standard Portuguese equivalent of the English suffix "-ly." While its literal meaning relates to something that causes terror or is of very poor quality, its most frequent use in modern Portuguese is as a high-intensity quantifier, meaning "extremely" or "exceedingly." Understanding this word requires a grasp of how Portuguese speakers use exaggeration to emphasize emotions, states of being, or the difficulty of a task. It is a word that bridges the gap between literal description and figurative intensity.

Literal Meaning: In a way that causes terror, dread, or extreme discomfort. For example, a storm raging terrivelmente suggests a frightening level of violence in the weather.
Intensifier Role: Used to amplify an adjective. If someone says they are 'terrivelmente cansado' (terribly tired), they aren't suggesting their fatigue is evil; they are simply saying they are exhausted beyond the normal limit.
Morphological Structure: Root: Terrível (Adjective) + Suffix: -mente (Adverbial marker). Note that when forming adverbs from adjectives ending in 'l', the 'l' remains and the suffix is added directly after the singular form.

In everyday conversation, you will encounter terrivelmente in contexts ranging from describing a bad meal to expressing deep sympathy. It is versatile but carries a weight that simpler words like muito (very) do not. When you use terrivelmente, you are signaling to the listener that the situation is significant or that your feeling is profound. It is particularly common in European Portuguese as a stylistic choice to add gravity to a statement, whereas in Brazilian Portuguese, it might be used with a touch of dramatic flair.

A situação econômica do país está terrivelmente instável este ano.

Historically, the word has roots in the Latin terribilis, relating to that which makes one tremble. Over centuries, like many adverbs of intensity (think of "awfully" or "frightfully" in English), the 'terror' aspect faded into a general sense of 'to a high degree.' However, one must be careful; using it too frequently can make one's speech sound overly dramatic or pessimistic. It is best reserved for situations that truly warrant a strong descriptor.

Ele foi terrivelmente rude com os convidados durante o jantar.

Another nuance is its use in formal writing. While muito is neutral, terrivelmente adds a subjective, evaluative layer. In a news report, saying a budget was "terrivelmente mal gerido" (terribly mismanaged) conveys a strong editorial stance of disapproval. In contrast, in a personal letter, saying you miss someone "terrivelmente" is a standard and heartfelt way to express deep longing.

Social Context: In Brazil, the word gained recent political weight due to the phrase 'terrivelmente evangélico,' used by political figures to describe a specific ideological alignment. This shows how a simple adverb can become a cultural marker.

Sinto-me terrivelmente culpado por não ter ligado para você no seu aniversário.

Finally, remember that terrivelmente is an invariable adverb. Unlike adjectives, it does not change to match the gender or number of the noun it modifies. Whether you are talking about one man, ten women, or a neutral concept, the form remains terrivelmente. This makes it a reliable tool for learners who are still mastering the complexities of Portuguese agreement rules.

Using terrivelmente correctly involves understanding its placement and the words it typically modifies. As an adverb, its primary job is to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. In Portuguese syntax, the placement of the adverb can slightly change the emphasis of the sentence, but it generally follows the verb it modifies or precedes the adjective it intensifies.

Modifying Adjectives: This is the most common usage. Place 'terrivelmente' immediately before the adjective. Example: 'A prova foi terrivelmente difícil' (The test was terribly difficult). It acts as a booster for the adjective's meaning.
Modifying Verbs: When describing how an action was performed, place it after the verb. Example: 'Ele canta terrivelmente' (He sings terribly). Here, it describes the quality of the action itself.

Let's explore the nuances of intensity. While muito is a level 5 on an intensity scale of 1-10, terrivelmente is an 8 or 9. It suggests that the quality being described has reached a point where it is almost overwhelming or unbearable. If a room is 'terrivelmente quente,' it’s not just uncomfortably warm; it’s so hot that it’s hard to stay there. This level of intensity is what makes the word so expressive in storytelling and emotional expression.

O trânsito em São Paulo pode ser terrivelmente estressante nos horários de pico.

In negative constructions, terrivelmente maintains its position. For example, 'Eu não estou terrivelmente preocupado' (I am not terribly worried). Interestingly, in this specific negative context, it often acts as a softener or a way to downplay a situation, much like in English. It implies that while there might be some concern, it hasn't reached that 'terrible' level yet.

A notícia foi terrivelmente recebida pela comunidade local.

One stylistic tip for advanced learners: when using multiple adverbs ending in -mente in a sequence, Portuguese style guides often suggest only adding the suffix to the last one (e.g., 'clara e objetivamente'). However, because terrivelmente is often used as a standalone intensifier, this rule is less frequently applied to it than to adverbs of manner like 'rapidamente' or 'calmamente'.

Ela sentia-se terrivelmente sozinha naquela casa enorme e vazia.

Consider the difference between 'trabalhar muito' (to work a lot) and 'trabalhar terrivelmente' (to work terribly/badly). The first refers to quantity, the second to quality. However, if you say 'trabalhar terrivelmente duro' (to work terribly hard), you are back to using it as an intensifier for the adverb 'duro'. This flexibility is key to mastering the word's application across different parts of speech.

Common Verb Pairings: Portar-se (to behave), falhar (to fail), sofrer (to suffer), enganar-se (to be mistaken). Example: 'Enganei-me terrivelmente' (I was terribly mistaken).

O plano falhou terrivelmente devido à falta de planeamento prévio.

Lastly, in questions, terrivelmente is rare. You wouldn't usually ask 'É terrivelmente caro?'. Instead, you'd ask 'É muito caro?' and the response might be 'Sim, é terrivelmente caro!'. It is a word of assertion and reaction rather than inquiry.

In the real world, terrivelmente is a staple of emotional and descriptive Portuguese. You will hear it in news broadcasts, read it in classic and contemporary literature, and encounter it in daily conversations when someone wants to emphasize a point. It is particularly prevalent in the following domains:

News and Media: Journalists use it to describe the severity of events. A 'terrivelmente' affected region by a natural disaster, or a 'terrivelmente' controversial law. It adds a sense of urgency and gravity to the reporting.
Literature and Arts: Authors use it to paint vivid pictures of a character's internal state. Characters in Portuguese novels are often 'terrivelmente' angustiados (anguished) or 'terrivelmente' apaixonados (in love). It serves to heighten the drama of the narrative.

In Brazil, the word has a specific modern resonance. In 2019, the expression "terrivelmente evangélico" was used by the then-president to describe a potential Supreme Court nominee. This phrase sparked nationwide debate, turning a grammatical intensifier into a political label. Since then, you might hear the word used with a wink or a specific political connotation in Brazilian social circles, often referring to someone who is uncompromising or deeply committed to a particular set of values.

"Precisamos de alguém terrivelmente comprometido com os nossos valores," disse o diretor.

In Portugal, the word is often heard in more traditional, slightly more formal contexts. A Portuguese grandmother might say a child is "terrivelmente traquinas" (terribly mischievous), or a critic might describe a play as "terrivelmente aborrecida" (terribly boring). There is a certain elegance to the word in European Portuguese that makes it feel less like slang and more like a precise linguistic tool for emphasis.

Aquelas crianças portaram-se terrivelmente mal durante a visita ao museu.

In the workplace, terrivelmente is used to signal critical errors or extreme pressure. A project manager might say, "Estamos terrivelmente atrasados" (We are terribly behind schedule). This is a clear signal to the team that the situation is serious and requires immediate attention. It is more impactful than saying "estamos muito atrasados," which might imply a manageable delay.

Social media also sees a lot of terrivelmente, especially in reviews. Whether it's a 'terrivelmente' bad movie review or a 'terrivelmente' funny meme, the word helps users stand out in a sea of content by using strong, emotive language. It captures attention because of its length and the strong phonetic sounds of the 'rr' and 'v'.

O novo restaurante da esquina é terrivelmente caro para o que oferece.

Lastly, in personal relationships, the word is used to express deep empathy or apology. "Sinto terrivelmente o que aconteceu" (I am terribly sorry for what happened) conveys a level of sincerity that a simple "desculpe" might lack. It shows that the speaker has reflected on the gravity of the situation.

Even for intermediate learners, terrivelmente can present a few pitfalls. Because it looks so much like the English word "terribly," learners often assume it is a perfect one-to-one substitute in every context. While they are very similar, there are specific Portuguese nuances to keep in mind to avoid sounding unnatural or making grammatical errors.

Overuse as a Generic 'Very': Mistake: Using it for trivial things. Correction: If something is just 'very good,' use 'muito bom.' Use 'terrivelmente' only when the intensity is extreme or the context is negative/dramatic.
Agreement Errors: Mistake: Trying to make it feminine or plural (e.g., 'terrivelmentas'). Correction: Adverbs ending in -mente are invariable. They never change form.

A frequent mistake is the misplacement of the adverb in relation to the verb. In English, we might say "I terribly miss you," but in Portuguese, saying "Eu terrivelmente sinto sua falta" sounds awkward and translated. The natural flow is "Sinto terrivelmente a tua falta" or "Sinto a tua falta terrivelmente." The adverb usually wants to be close to the action or the quality it is describing, but following the verb is the safer bet for learners.

Incorreto: Elas estão terrivelmentes cansadas.
Correto: Elas estão terrivelmente cansadas.

Another common issue is the confusion between the adjective terrível and the adverb terrivelmente. Remember: terrível describes a noun (O filme é terrível), while terrivelmente describes an action or another quality (O filme é terrivelmente longo). If you find yourself wanting to describe a person's character directly, you use the adjective. If you want to describe how they are acting or a specific trait they have, you use the adverb.

O clima estava terrivelmente frio, por isso não saímos de casa.

Learners also struggle with the 'false friend' aspect of intensity. In some English dialects, "terribly" can be used for positive things (e.g., "terribly kind"). In Portuguese, while terrivelmente gentil is grammatically possible, it is much rarer and can sound slightly sarcastic or overly formal. It is safer to stick to negative or neutral-intense contexts (tired, late, expensive, difficult) until you have a very strong feel for the language's irony.

Finally, be aware of regional variations. In some parts of Brazil, using long adverbs like terrivelmente in casual conversation might make you sound like you are 'reading from a book.' Brazilians often prefer shorter intensifiers like super, mega, or muitíssimo. However, in any written context or formal speech, terrivelmente is perfectly appropriate and highly effective.

Summary of Mistakes: 1. Pluralizing the adverb. 2. Using it for minor issues. 3. Incorrect word order (placing it too far from the word it modifies). 4. Confusing it with the adjective 'terrível'.

A comida estava terrivelmente salgada; não consegui comer nada.

To truly master Portuguese, you need a toolbox of intensifiers. While terrivelmente is excellent for adding drama and high intensity, other words might fit your specific context better. Here is a comparison of synonyms and alternatives that will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Extremamente: The closest neutral synonym. It means 'extremely' and lacks the negative 'terror' connotation of 'terrivelmente'. Use this for positive things: 'extremamente inteligente'.
Horrivelmente: Even more negative than 'terrivelmente'. It specifically implies something is 'horrible'. Use this when describing something truly unpleasant, like a smell or a performance.
Muitíssimo: The absolute superlative of 'muito'. It's very common in both spoken and written Portuguese and is slightly less dramatic than 'terrivelmente'.

When choosing between terrivelmente and muito, think about the impact you want to have. If you tell a friend 'Estou muito cansado,' they might suggest you take a nap. If you say 'Estou terrivelmente cansado,' they might ask if you need to see a doctor or if something is wrong. The choice of word communicates the scale of your experience.

Esta tarefa é extremamente importante para o sucesso do projeto.

In Brazilian Portuguese, slang alternatives are very common. Instead of terrivelmente, you might hear pra caramba (very common, slightly informal) or demais (after the adjective). For example, 'Ele é chato pra caramba' or 'Ele é chato demais' are more natural ways to say someone is 'terrivelmente' annoying in a casual setting.

O filme foi horrivelmente mal dirigido, uma decepção total.

Another interesting alternative is the use of the prefix super- or hiper-. In modern spoken Portuguese, especially among younger generations, these prefixes have replaced many -mente adverbs. 'Estou super cansada' is much more common than 'Estou terrivelmente cansada' in a text message between friends.

Let's compare 'terrivelmente' with 'assustadoramente' (frighteningly). While 'terrivelmente' is a general intensifier, 'assustadoramente' is used when the intensity itself is shocking or scary. 'A tecnologia está a avançar assustadoramente rápido' (Technology is advancing frighteningly fast) suggests a speed that is almost hard to comprehend.

Quick Comparison: Terrivelmente: Dramatic, often negative, high intensity.
Extremamente: Neutral, high intensity, safe for all contexts.
Muitíssimo: Standard, very common, slightly formal superlative.

Ele é um homem muitíssimo educado e gentil com todos.

In summary, while terrivelmente is a fantastic word to know and use, being aware of its 'cousins' in the language will make your Portuguese more flexible and appropriate for the situation. Experiment with these different levels of intensity to see how they change the 'temperature' of your sentences.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-mente' originally meant 'with a ... mind'. So 'terrivelmente' once literally meant 'with a terrible mind'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /te.ʁi.vɛl.ˈmẽ.tɨ/

US /te.ʁi.vɛw.ˈmẽ.tʃi/

The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable: 'MEN'.

Rhymes With

Infinitamente Certamente Rapidamente Geralmente Infelizmente Absolutamente Realmente Lentamente

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'l' at the end of 'vel' like a hard English 'l' in Brazil (it should be a 'w').
Missing the nasalization on the 'men' syllable.
Stressing the 'ri' instead of the 'men'.
Pronouncing the 'rr' like a single Spanish 'r'.
Making the final 'e' too long.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because it is a cognate of 'terribly'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the spelling and the lack of accent.

Speaking 4/5

Long word with challenging 'rr' and nasal sounds.

Listening 3/5

Easy to catch because of the distinctive '-mente' ending.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Terrível Muito Mente Cansado Difícil

Learn Next

Extremamente Horrivelmente Absolutamente Infelizmente Certamente

Advanced

Atrozmente Pavorosamente Desmesuradamente Exorbitantemente Insuportavelmente

Grammar to Know

Adverb Formation with -mente

Fácil -> Facilmente; Terrível -> Terrivelmente.

Accent Removal in Adverbs

The accent in 'terrível' is dropped when '-mente' is added.

Invariability of Adverbs

'Elas são terrivelmente inteligentes' (not terrivelmentes).

Adverb Placement

Usually follows the verb or precedes the adjective.

Serial Adverbs

In 'clara e objetivamente', only the last one takes -mente.

Examples by Level

Estou terrivelmente cansado hoje.

I am terribly tired today.

Adverb modifying an adjective.

O café está terrivelmente quente.

The coffee is terribly hot.

Intensity marker.

A prova foi terrivelmente difícil.

The test was terribly difficult.

Modifying the adjective 'difícil'.

Ele canta terrivelmente mal.

He sings terribly badly.

Adverb modifying another adverb.

O filme é terrivelmente longo.

The movie is terribly long.

Used as an intensifier.

Sinto terrivelmente a sua falta.

I miss you terribly.

Expressing strong emotion.

A comida estava terrivelmente salgada.

The food was terribly salty.

Describing a state.

Hoje está terrivelmente frio lá fora.

It is terribly cold outside today.

Adverb describing the weather condition.

Aquele restaurante é terrivelmente caro.

That restaurant is terribly expensive.

Common A2 adjective pairing.

Ela ficou terrivelmente triste com a notícia.

She became terribly sad with the news.

Describing a resulting emotional state.

O trânsito está terrivelmente lento agora.

The traffic is terribly slow right now.

Using 'lento' as the modified adjective.

Nós estamos terrivelmente atrasados para o jantar.

We are terribly late for dinner.

Plural subject, but adverb remains singular.

O quarto estava terrivelmente escuro.

The room was terribly dark.

Intensity of a physical state.

Ele fala terrivelmente rápido, não entendo nada.

He speaks terribly fast, I don't understand anything.

Modifying the adverb 'rápido'.

A viagem foi terrivelmente cansativa.

The trip was terribly tiring.

Adjective 'cansativa' matches 'viagem'.

Eles portaram-se terrivelmente mal na escola.

They behaved terribly badly at school.

Describing manner of behavior.

Sinto-me terrivelmente culpado pelo que aconteceu.

I feel terribly guilty for what happened.

Reflexive verb 'sentir-se'.

A situação é terrivelmente complexa para explicar agora.

The situation is terribly complex to explain now.

Modifying a multi-syllabic adjective.

Ela é uma pessoa terrivelmente solitária.

She is a terribly lonely person.

Adjective 'solitária' describes 'pessoa'.

O plano falhou terrivelmente no último minuto.

The plan failed terribly at the last minute.

Adverb of manner following the verb.

Não estou terrivelmente interessado nessa proposta.

I am not terribly interested in that proposal.

Negation used for understatement.

Foi terrivelmente injusto o que fizeram com ele.

What they did to him was terribly unfair.

Impersonal 'foi' construction.

A tempestade danificou terrivelmente as colheitas.

The storm terribly damaged the crops.

Adverb modifying the verb 'danificou'.

Eles estavam terrivelmente enganados sobre o preço.

They were terribly mistaken about the price.

Passive-like state 'estar enganado'.

O relatório foi terrivelmente redigido e contém erros.

The report was terribly written and contains errors.

Formal/Professional context.

Ela é terrivelmente exigente com os seus funcionários.

She is terribly demanding with her employees.

Describing a personality trait.

A economia está a sofrer terrivelmente com a inflação.

The economy is suffering terribly with inflation.

Progressive tense 'está a sofrer'.

Fiquei terrivelmente impressionado com a sua coragem.

I was terribly impressed by your courage.

Positive intensity (rare but possible).

O segredo foi terrivelmente guardado durante anos.

The secret was terribly (badly) kept for years.

Meaning 'badly' in a formal structure.

Ele é terrivelmente teimoso e nunca admite que errou.

He is terribly stubborn and never admits he was wrong.

Describing a negative character trait.

A notícia espalhou-se terrivelmente rápido pelas redes sociais.

The news spread terribly fast through social media.

Modifying 'rápido' in a modern context.

Sentimo-nos terrivelmente impotentes perante tal tragédia.

We feel terribly helpless in the face of such tragedy.

Collective feeling of intensity.

A obra de arte é terrivelmente provocadora e sombria.

The artwork is terribly provocative and dark.

Literary/Artistic criticism.

Ele possui uma inteligência terrivelmente aguçada.

He possesses a terribly sharp intelligence.

Metaphorical use of 'sharp'.

O autor descreve terrivelmente a angústia da guerra.

The author terribly (vividly/intensely) describes the anguish of war.

Adverb of manner in a literary context.

A ausência de diálogo é terrivelmente prejudicial à paz.

The absence of dialogue is terribly harmful to peace.

Formal political/social observation.

Eles foram terrivelmente negligentes na gestão dos fundos.

They were terribly negligent in the management of funds.

Legal/Administrative accusation.

Sua voz soava terrivelmente rouca naquela manhã fria.

His voice sounded terribly hoarse on that cold morning.

Descriptive narrative style.

A cidade mudou terrivelmente desde que partimos.

The city has changed terribly (greatly/drastically) since we left.

Expressing drastic change.

O silêncio que se seguiu foi terrivelmente ensurdecedor.

The silence that followed was terribly deafening.

Oxymoron for rhetorical effect.

A condição humana é terrivelmente marcada pela finitude.

The human condition is terribly marked by finitude.

Philosophical discourse.

O sistema revelou-se terrivelmente vulnerável a ataques.

The system proved to be terribly vulnerable to attacks.

Technical/Formal evaluation.

Há algo de terrivelmente belo na decadência das ruínas.

There is something terribly beautiful in the decay of ruins.

Aesthetic paradox.

A retórica do político era terrivelmente eficaz, mas vazia.

The politician's rhetoric was terribly effective, but empty.

Critical analysis of speech.

Sentia o peso da responsabilidade terrivelmente sobre si.

He felt the weight of responsibility terribly upon him.

Metaphorical intensity.

A verdade, por vezes, pode ser terrivelmente amarga.

The truth, at times, can be terribly bitter.

Abstract concept intensification.

O desfecho da peça foi terrivelmente irónico.

The play's ending was terribly ironic.

Dramatic criticism.

A burocracia estatal é terrivelmente labiríntica.

State bureaucracy is terribly labyrinthine.

High-level vocabulary 'labiríntica'.

Common Collocations

Terrivelmente cansado

Terrivelmente difícil

Terrivelmente caro

Terrivelmente triste

Terrivelmente longo

Terrivelmente injusto

Terrivelmente mal

Terrivelmente atrasado

Terrivelmente sozinho

Terrivelmente complicado

Common Phrases

Sinto terrivelmente.

— A strong way to say 'I am terribly sorry'. It conveys deep regret.

Sinto terrivelmente pelo seu prejuízo.

Terrivelmente evangélico.

— A specific Brazilian political reference to a deeply religious judge. It implies uncompromising values.

Ele foi descrito como um candidato terrivelmente evangélico.

Correu terrivelmente mal.

— Used when an event or plan fails completely. It means 'it went terribly wrong'.

A nossa apresentação correu terrivelmente mal.

Enganar-se terrivelmente.

— To be completely and utterly mistaken about something.

Enganei-me terrivelmente a respeito do caráter dele.

Portar-se terrivelmente.

— Usually used for children or people acting out. It means 'to behave terribly'.

O menino portou-se terrivelmente na festa.

Sentir-se terrivelmente.

— To feel very bad, either physically (ill) or emotionally (guilty/sad).

Sinto-me terrivelmente por não poder ajudar.

Terrivelmente sério.

— Used to emphasize that a situation has no room for jokes or lightheartedness.

Isto é um assunto terrivelmente sério.

Terrivelmente aborrecido.

— Can mean either very bored or very annoyed, depending on the context.

Estou terrivelmente aborrecido com esta espera.

Terrivelmente feio.

— A harsh way to describe something aesthetically or morally unpleasant.

Aquele edifício novo é terrivelmente feio.

Terrivelmente curto.

— Used when time or a resource is far less than what was needed.

O prazo para a entrega era terrivelmente curto.

Often Confused With

terrivelmente vs Terrível

Terrível is an adjective (describes nouns), terrivelmente is an adverb (describes actions/qualities).

terrivelmente vs Horrivelmente

Horrivelmente is usually more negative; terrivelmente is often just an intensifier.

terrivelmente vs Tremendamente

Very similar, but 'tremendamente' is slightly more informal and less 'dark'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Terrivelmente enganado"

— To be way off the mark or completely wrong about a person or situation.

Se achas que eu vou aceitar isso, estás terrivelmente enganado.

Common

"Cair terrivelmente"

— Often used for prices or stock markets to mean a sharp, painful drop.

As ações da empresa caíram terrivelmente ontem.

Financial/Informal

"Soar terrivelmente"

— Used when an idea or a sound is very unpleasant to hear.

Essa desculpa soa terrivelmente falsa.

Neutral

"Saber terrivelmente"

— Used when food tastes very bad.

Esta sopa sabe terrivelmente a queimado.

Informal (Portugal)

"Cheirar terrivelmente"

— To have a very bad odor.

O lixo cheira terrivelmente com este calor.

Common

"Bater terrivelmente"

— Used when something (like a drug, alcohol, or bad news) hits someone very hard.

A notícia da morte dele bateu terrivelmente na família.

Informal

"Custar terrivelmente"

— To be extremely difficult or painful to do.

Custou-me terrivelmente dizer-lhe a verdade.

Emotional

"Pesar terrivelmente"

— Used for guilt or a physical weight that is unbearable.

A culpa pesava terrivelmente na sua consciência.

Literary

"Falhar terrivelmente"

— To fail in a way that is embarrassing or complete.

O sistema de segurança falhou terrivelmente.

Neutral

"Dormir terrivelmente"

— To have a very poor night's sleep.

Dormi terrivelmente mal por causa do barulho.

Common

Easily Confused

terrivelmente vs Terrorista

Shares the same root 'terror'.

Terrorista refers to a person committing acts of terror, while terrivelmente is just an adverb of intensity.

O ato terrorista foi terrivelmente cruel.

terrivelmente vs Terreno

Looks similar at the start.

Terreno means 'land' or 'ground'.

O terreno era terrivelmente inclinado.

terrivelmente vs Territorial

Shares the 'terri-' prefix.

Territorial relates to territory or land boundaries.

Houve uma disputa territorial terrivelmente longa.

terrivelmente vs Ternamente

Similar suffix and length.

Ternamente means 'tenderly', the opposite of terrible.

Ela beijou o filho ternamente.

terrivelmente vs Terreiro

Common Brazilian word starting with 'terr-'.

Terreiro is a yard or a place for religious ceremonies.

O terreiro estava terrivelmente cheio.

Sentence Patterns

Eu estou terrivelmente [adjective].

Eu estou terrivelmente cansado.

O/A [noun] é terrivelmente [adjective].

A casa é terrivelmente grande.

Não estou terrivelmente [adjective].

Não estou terrivelmente preocupado.

[Verb] terrivelmente mal.

O projeto correu terrivelmente mal.

Algo de terrivelmente [adjective] em [noun].

Algo de terrivelmente belo nesta ruína.

Terrivelmente marcado por [abstract noun].

Terrivelmente marcado pela solidão.

Sinto-me terrivelmente [adjective].

Sinto-me terrivelmente culpado.

Está terrivelmente [weather].

Está terrivelmente frio.

Word Family

Nouns

Terror (Terror)

Terribilidade (Terribleness)

Verbs

Aterrorizar (To terrify)

Aterrar (To land/to terrify)

Adjectives

Terrível (Terrible)

Aterrorizante (Terrifying)

Terrífico

Terrível

Terrorista

Aterrorizado

Terrificamente

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both spoken and written Portuguese, though more frequent in dramatic or formal contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'terrivelmentes' for plural subjects. → Elas estão terrivelmente cansadas.
Adverbs never change for number or gender in Portuguese.
Keeping the accent: 'terrívelmente'. → terrivelmente
The accent on the 'i' is removed when the suffix -mente is added.
Using it for minor things like 'terrivelmente feliz'. → extremamente feliz
While possible, 'terrivelmente' usually sounds odd with positive adjectives unless used ironically.
Placing it before the verb: 'Eu terrivelmente sinto...' → Sinto terrivelmente...
Adverbs usually follow the verb they modify in natural Portuguese.
Confusing it with 'tremendamente'. → Use 'terrivelmente' for darker/more negative intensity.
'Tremendamente' is more neutral or even positive in some contexts.

Tips

Drop the Accent

Always remember to remove the acute accent from 'terrível' when creating 'terrivelmente'. This applies to almost all -mente adverbs.

Use for Emphasis

Save 'terrivelmente' for when you really want to emphasize a point. Using it for everything makes it lose its power.

The Nasal 'Mente'

The 'men' in 'terrivelmente' is nasal. Try to let the sound come through your nose slightly.

Cognate Advantage

Use your English knowledge! If you feel like saying 'terribly', 'terrivelmente' is almost always the right choice.

Brazilian Politics

Be aware of the 'terrivelmente evangélico' reference if you are in Brazil; it's a very specific cultural touchstone.

Avoid Adverb Clusters

Don't use too many -mente adverbs in one paragraph. It makes the text feel heavy and repetitive.

Identify the Root

When you hear a long word, listen for the root. If you hear 'terrível', you know the adverb is about intensity or badness.

Vary Your Intensity

Practice saying 'muito', 'extremamente', and 'terrivelmente' with increasing emotion to feel the difference.

Sincere Apologies

Use 'Sinto terrivelmente' for deep apologies. It shows you care more than a standard 'Desculpe'.

News Context

In news, 'terrivelmente' often signals the reporter's or the public's negative reaction to an event.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Terrible' + 'Mind' (mente). If your mind is in a terrible state, you are terrivelmente tired or stressed.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant monster (Terror) trying to carry a heavy box labeled 'Very Much'. The monster makes everything 'terrivelmente' intense.

Word Web

Terrível Terror Medo Intenso Mente Muito Extremo Horrível

Challenge

Try to use 'terrivelmente' in three different sentences today: one about your energy level, one about a price, and one about a difficult task.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'terribilis' (frightful, terrible), which comes from 'terrere' (to frighten). The suffix '-mente' comes from the Latin 'mens, mentis' (mind/manner).

Original meaning: Originally, it meant 'in a way that causes terror'.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful using it to describe people's appearances as it can be very offensive (terrivelmente feio).

English speakers use 'terribly' similarly, but 'terrivelmente' is rarely used for positive things like 'terribly kind' in Portuguese.

The phrase 'Terrivelmente Evangélico' by Jair Bolsonaro. Frequent use in the works of Fernando Pessoa to describe existential dread. Common in Fado lyrics to describe 'Saudade' (longing).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Expressing Fatigue

Estou terrivelmente cansado.
Sinto-me terrivelmente exausto.
Foi um dia terrivelmente longo.
Dormi terrivelmente mal.

Complaining about Costs

É terrivelmente caro.
O preço é terrivelmente alto.
Sair à noite aqui é terrivelmente dispendioso.
As rendas estão terrivelmente caras.

Describing Failure

O plano falhou terrivelmente.
Tudo correu terrivelmente mal.
Enganei-me terrivelmente.
Fomos terrivelmente derrotados.

Social Apologies

Sinto terrivelmente o que aconteceu.
Peço desculpa, estou terrivelmente atrasado.
Sinto-me terrivelmente por não poder ir.
Lamento terrivelmente a sua perda.

Weather and Environment

Está terrivelmente frio.
O barulho é terrivelmente alto.
A sala está terrivelmente escura.
O cheiro é terrivelmente mau.

Conversation Starters

"Você já teve um dia terrivelmente cansativo esta semana?"

"Qual foi o filme terrivelmente longo que você assistiu recentemente?"

"Você acha que os preços nos supermercados estão terrivelmente altos?"

"Como você reage quando está terrivelmente atrasado para um compromisso?"

"Você já se enganou terrivelmente sobre alguém que acabou de conhecer?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação em que você se sentiu terrivelmente orgulhoso de si mesmo.

Escreva sobre um dia em que tudo correu terrivelmente mal, mas você aprendeu algo.

Quais são as três coisas que você considera terrivelmente difíceis de aprender?

Descreva um lugar que você visitou que era terrivelmente bonito ou assustador.

Como você lida com pessoas que são terrivelmente teimosas no trabalho?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not necessarily. While it usually has a negative or dramatic tone, it is primarily an intensifier meaning 'extremely'. You can be 'terrivelmente inteligente', though it sounds more like a critique of how intimidating that intelligence is rather than a simple compliment.

In Portugal, it's a guttural sound like the French 'r'. In Brazil, it's more like a strong 'h' sound as in 'house'. Practice by clearing your throat slightly.

It's rare. Usually, you'd use 'extremamente' for positive things. If you say someone is 'terrivelmente bonita', it implies their beauty is overwhelming or almost painful to look at.

No, adverbs ending in '-mente' don't have short forms. If you want something shorter, use 'muito' or 'super'.

In Portuguese, when you add the suffix '-mente', the tonic stress shifts to the 'men' syllable. Rules of Portuguese orthography dictate that the original accent of the adjective is usually dropped.

The correct spelling is 'terrivelmente'. In Brazil, the final 'e' is often pronounced like an 'i', but it is always written with an 'e'.

Yes, for dramatic effect. 'Terrivelmente, o plano falhou.' It works like 'Terribly, the plan failed' (or 'Sadly').

Not really. It sounds a bit formal or literary for street slang. Slang versions would be 'pra caramba' or 'demais'.

'Horrivelmente' is strictly for things that are 'horrible' (bad quality/experience). 'Terrivelmente' is more about the 'terror' or 'intensity' of the state.

Yes. 'Ele joga terrivelmente' (He plays terribly). It describes the manner in which the action is performed.