Practice Dreadful with Flashcards, Spelling and Quizzes

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Anxiety and Fear

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Burden and Stress

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Chasms and Carnage

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Discomfort and Distress

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Hurdles and Setbacks

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Suffix -ful

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dreadful

Dreadful (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adjective

IPA:

/ˈdrɛd fəl/

What does dreadful mean?

Extremely unpleasant, causing great fear, terror, or anxiety.
"I had a dreadful nightmare last night that left me trembling with fear."

Detailed Meaning of Dreadful

It implies a sense of deep dread or apprehension, often associated with something that is terrible, horrifying, or disturbing. When something is described as dreadful, it typically elicits a strong negative emotional response and is considered highly undesirable or unpleasant. It can refer to situations, events, experiences, or even objects that evoke intense feelings of fear, dread, or disgust. Whether it pertains to a dreadful nightmare, a dreadful accident, or a dreadful movie, this adjective emphasizes the gravity and severity of the negative impact or impression that the subject has on individuals. Overall, dreadful denotes a quality or characteristic that is profoundly dreadful or fear-inducing.

Example Sentences for Dreadful

1. The storm outside was dreadful, with howling winds and torrential rain.
2. The car accident was absolutely dreadful, resulting in multiple injuries.
3. The smell coming from the garbage bin was simply dreadful.
4. The student's handwriting was so messy that it was almost dreadful to read.
5. The performance of the team in the match was dreadful, resulting in a humiliating defeat.
6. The food at the restaurant was dreadful, with undercooked meat and tasteless vegetables.

Origin and Etymology of Dreadful

The adjective 'dreadful' shares its etymological roots with the verb 'dread.' It originated from the Old English word 'drædan,' which meant 'to fear' or 'to be afraid of.' This Old English term is believed to have evolved from earlier Germanic sources. Therefore, the etymology of 'dreadful' conveys the idea of something that is extremely unpleasant, causing great fear, terror, or anxiety. Over time, the word 'dreadful' came to describe situations, events, or things that inspire a deep and intense sense of dread or fear due to their severe unpleasantness or threatening nature. The adjective 'dreadful' encapsulates the notion of extreme and overwhelming negativity, reflecting its use to describe highly distressing or horrifying experiences.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective dreadful:

pleasant

wonderful

terrifying

delightful

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Dreadful

1. The news of her sudden illness was dreadful, leaving her family in shock.
2. The movie was dreadful, with a confusing plot and terrible acting.
3. The speaker's speech was so dreadful that the audience began to walk out.
4. The dreadful sound of screeching tires followed by a loud crash echoed through the neighborhood.
5. The examination was dreadful, with challenging questions that left the students feeling overwhelmed.
6. The weather forecast predicts a dreadful storm tonight.
7. The traffic during rush hour was absolutely dreadful.
8. She had a dreadful experience at the haunted house.
9. The movie's acting was so dreadful, it was hard to watch.
10. He faced the dreadful prospect of a long hospital stay.
11. The news of the accident was truly dreadful.
12. The smell from the kitchen was dreadful.
13. The flu season can be quite dreadful for many.
14. The dreadful sound of thunder made her jump.
15. The teacher's dreadful handwriting was hard to decipher.
16. The car broke down in a dreadful location.
17. The loss of their pet was a dreadful event for the family.
18. The food poisoning made for a dreadful vacation.
19. The student's dreadful test results were disappointing.
20. The wait time at the DMV was absolutely dreadful.
21. The dreadful news of the fire spread quickly.
22. The service at the restaurant was dreadful.
23. The noise from the construction site was truly dreadful.
24. She had a dreadful nightmare that left her shaken.
25. The thought of public speaking was dreadful for him.