frightful

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective provoking horror; ; ; ; - Winston Churchill
  2. adjective extreme in degree or extent or amount or impact
  3. adjective extremely distressing

Etymology

From Middle English frightful (“afraid”), from Old English forhtfull (“fainthearted, timorous”). Equivalent to fright + -ful.

In classic literature

Synonyms

atrocious, horrifying, horrible, ugly

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