What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dreadful
Example
The weather was dreadful, with heavy rain and strong winds. [dreadful: adjective]
Example
I had a dreadful feeling that something bad was going to happen. [dreadful: adjective]
Example
The movie was dreadful, with terrible acting and a weak plot. [dreadful: adjective]
terrible
Example
The food at the restaurant was terrible, with no flavor and overcooked meat. [terrible: adjective]
Example
The accident was terrible, with several people injured and cars destroyed. [terrible: adjective]
Example
The teacher scolded the student for his terrible behavior in class. [terrible: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Terrible is more commonly used than dreadful in everyday language. Terrible is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dreadful is less common and may be associated with a more formal or literary tone.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between dreadful and terrible?
Dreadful can be associated with a more formal or literary tone, while terrible is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
