Cool MateRemarkable vs Terrific
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Remarkable
Terrific
| Remarkable | Terrific | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈmɑːkəbl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈmɑːrkəbl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/təˈrɪfɪk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/təˈrɪfɪk/"]/ |
| Meaning | Very special or unusual, worth noticing. | Very good or excellent. |
| Example | The scientist made a remarkable discovery that changed the field forever. | She did a terrific job presenting her project to the class. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Collocations | be, seem, absolutely, just, most, for | terrific job, terrific idea, terrific time, terrific experience, terrific performance |
| Antonyms | ordinary, unremarkable, mundane | terrible, awful, bad, dreadful |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'remarkable' and 'notable', which have subtle differences in connotation., Using 'remarkable' in a negative context, which doesn't fit its positive meaning., Overusing it; it can sound exaggerated if used too frequently. | Confuse with 'terrible', which means the opposite., Use it too casually in formal or serious contexts., Use it to describe something bad. |
| Usage notes | Use 'remarkable' to describe something that is impressive, surprising, or extraordinary. It is neutral in tone, so it can be used in most contexts, including both spoken and written language. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations where simpler terms may suffice. | Used to express enthusiasm or positivity, often in informal contexts. Avoid using in overly serious or formal discussions. |
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Frequently asked questions: Remarkable vs Terrific
What's the difference between Remarkable and Terrific?
Remarkable: Very special or unusual, worth noticing. Terrific: Very good or excellent.
Which is more common: Remarkable and Terrific?
Terrific is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Remarkable and Terrific?
Terrific is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Remarkable and Terrific the same CEFR level?
Remarkable: B2, Terrific: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Remarkable and Terrific?
Remarkable: adjective, Terrific: adjective.
Can you show an example of each?
Remarkable: The scientist made a remarkable discovery that changed the field forever. Terrific: She did a terrific job presenting her project to the class.
Can I use Remarkable and Terrific interchangeably?
Not always. Remarkable and Terrific are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.