terribly
UK: ˈterəbli | US: ˈterəbli
adv. 1. in a terrible manner; extremely badly or unpleasantly
adv. 2. (intensifier) to a great extent; very
The word "terribly" derives from the root "terr-" (from Latin terrere, meaning "to frighten"), combined with the adverbial suffix "-ibly" (variant of "-ably," from Latin -ibilis). Originally tied to fear or dread (as in "terrible"), it evolved into an intensifier in Modern English, often divorced from its negative roots (e.g., "terribly nice"). The shift reflects semantic bleaching, where extreme connotations weaken over time.
The team played terribly in the first half but improved later.
She was terribly upset after hearing the news.
The food smelled terribly, so we threw it away.
He’s terribly fond of classical music.
The room was terribly cold despite the heater.