C1adjective1K

Terrific

UK /["/təˈrɪfɪk/"]/US /["/təˈrɪfɪk/"]/

Definition

excellent; wonderful

In simple words: Very good or excellent.

Examples

She did a terrific job presenting her project to the class.
We had a terrific time on our vacation last summer.
The weather was terrific for the outdoor wedding.
He felt a terrific pain after the accident.
The team’s defense was so strong that they had a terrific advantage.

Usage notes

Used to express enthusiasm or positivity, often in informal contexts. Avoid using in overly serious or formal discussions.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'terrific' as 'terrific at being great' — both mean excellent.

Collocations

terrific job
terrific idea
terrific time
terrific experience
terrific performance

Synonyms

fantastic
wonderful
excellent
remarkable
superb

Antonyms

terrible
awful
bad
dreadful

Common mistakes

Confuse with 'terrible', which means the opposite.
Use it too casually in formal or serious contexts.
Use it to describe something bad.