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Dreadful

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Extremely bad, unpleasant, or shocking.
2. Causing great fear, horror, or distress.
3. Of very poor quality or undesirable nature.

History and Origin

The word “dreadful” originated in the late Middle English period, derived from the word dread, which means “great fear,” combined with the suffix -ful, indicating “full of.” It initially referred to something that inspired terror but later broadened to include anything unpleasant or bad.

Detailed Explanation

“Dreadful” is often used to describe something exceptionally unpleasant, horrifying, or undesirable. It can apply to physical experiences, emotional states, or abstract concepts like situations or performances. The word conveys a strong negative impression, emphasizing the severity of the feeling or condition being described.

Example Sentences

1. The storm left behind dreadful damage to the small village.
2. She made a dreadful mistake during the presentation.
3. The dreadful movie received terrible reviews from critics.
4. He felt dreadful after realizing he had hurt his friend’s feelings.
5. The meal tasted dreadful, and we couldn’t finish it.
6. The dreadful news of the accident shocked everyone.
7. Her dreadful experience at the hospital made her anxious about future visits.
8. The book was so dreadful that I couldn’t get past the first chapter.
9. The dreadful silence in the room made everyone uncomfortable.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Terrible – Extremely bad or distressing.
2. Horrible – Causing shock, fear, or disgust.
3. Awful – Very bad or unpleasant.
4. Appalling – Causing dismay or horror.
5. Atrocious – Shockingly bad or lacking quality.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Fearsome – Inspiring fear or awe.
2. Grim – Depressing or bleak.
3. Horrific – Extremely horrifying or distressing.
4. Unpleasant – Not enjoyable or agreeable.
5. Disastrous – Causing great harm or damage.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Detestable – Hateful or deserving strong dislike.
2. Abominable – Extremely unpleasant or bad.
3. Shocking – Causing surprise or dismay, often negative.
4. Deplorable – Deserving strong condemnation or criticism.
5. Frightful – Extremely bad or alarming.

Antonyms

1. Wonderful
2. Pleasant
3. Delightful
4. Enjoyable
5. Excellent