Terrific Meaning in English

word

US

/tɝˈɪfɪk/

tuh-RI-fik

UK

/təɹˈɪfɪk/

tuh-RI-fik

Definition

Very good, excellent, or enjoyable. In older or literary English, it can also mean causing great fear or intensity, but that use is uncommon today.

Usage & Nuances

In modern everyday English, 'terrific' is strongly positive: 'a terrific idea', 'terrific food', 'a terrific teacher'. It is slightly enthusiastic but natural in speech and writing. Do not confuse the common modern meaning with the older negative sense related to 'terror'.

• Spanish: estupendo - fantástico
• Portuguese (BR): ótimo - excelente
• Portuguese (PT): excelente - ótimo
• Chinese (Simplified): 极好的 - 棒极了的
• Chinese (Traditional): 極好的 - 非常棒的
• Hindi: शानदार - बेहतरीन
• Arabic: رائع - ممتاز
• Bengali: চমৎকার - দুর্দান্ত
• Russian: замечательный - потрясающий
• Japanese: 素晴らしい
• Vietnamese: tuyệt vời
• Korean: 멋진 - 훌륭한
• Turkish: harika - müthiş
• Urdu: زبردست - شاندار
• Indonesian: hebat - luar biasa

Example Sentences

The movie was terrific.

basic

She did a terrific job on the project.

basic

We had a terrific time at the beach.

basic

You look terrific in that jacket.

natural

Thanks for dinner—it was terrific.

natural

He gave me some terrific advice before the interview.

natural