if horrific and horrible are related to horror, why isn’t terrific related to
terror or terrible?
It is, or in any case it was:
Main Entry: ter·rif·ic
Pronunciation: t&-'ri-fik
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin terrificus, from terrEre to frighten
Date: 1667
1 a : very bad : FRIGHTFUL b : exciting or fit to excite fear or awe
2 : EXTRAORDINARY <terrific speed>
3 : unusually fine : MAGNIFICENT <terrific weather>
- ter·rif·i·cal·ly /-fi-k(&-)lE/ adverb
It seems to have evolved from “frightening” to “awe-inspiring,” and now simply is used as a synonym for “excellent.” I seem to recall Cecil covering this once, but I haven’t searched the archives for it yet.
It used to. Coined in the late 1600s. The meaning shifted over the intervening centuries.
My first ever simulpost!
Terrific, like terror and *terrify *, comes from the Latin, terrere, “to frighten.” In fact, the first definition listed in my dictionary for terrific is “causing terror or great fear.” It can also mean “to a great degree,” as in “a terrific speed” or “a terrific headache.”
I know we usually use it to mean “great” in a positive sense. My WAG is that this comes from the second definition above.
Those who do not learn from history are condemned to fail the class. --A WallyM7 creation
D’oh! (Note to self: Must type faster.)
Those who do not learn from history are condemned to fail the class. --A WallyM7 creation
So is the fact that words depart from their literal definitions awful or wonderful?
Enormity and magnificent also have common semeantic roots (great size) but have diverged in connotation.
Tony
Let’s not forget fantastic which used to mean imaginary.
All this is just fabulous…