terribly crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "terribly crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! Our comprehensive guide provides all possible solutions, complete with explanations, to help you conquer your puzzle.
Solutions for "terribly crossword clue" by Letter Count
2 Letters
SO: An intensifier often used in crosswords to mean 'to a great extent' or 'terribly'.
4 Letters
VERY: A common adverb used for emphasis, frequently appearing as a synonym for 'terribly' in puzzles.
5 Letters
AWFUL: A direct synonym for 'terribly' when describing something bad or unpleasant.
BADLY: Referring to something done poorly or to a significant degree, often used as 'terribly'.
7 Letters
AWFULLY: An adverbial form of 'awful', commonly used as an intensifier, similar to 'very' or 'terribly'.
8 Letters
HORRIBLY: A strong adverb indicating something done in a terrible or dreadful manner.
More About "terribly crossword clue"
"Terribly" is a word that puzzle constructors love due to its flexibility. It can imply something negative, such as "terribly designed," but also serve as a simple intensifier, as in "terribly exciting" or "terribly clever." This dual nature means its answers can range from straightforward synonyms like AWFUL or HORRIBLY to more subtle adverbs of degree like SO or VERY. Understanding this nuance is key to unlocking the right solution in your crossword puzzle.
Crossword clues often play on the different shades of meaning a single word can have. For "terribly," consider whether the clue is hinting at a negative quality or simply a high degree. For instance, if the clue is "terribly bad," you might think of AWFUL, but if it's "terribly quickly," SO or VERY might be more appropriate. Always consider the context provided by other words in the clue or surrounding completed words in the grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Degree: "Terribly" often functions as an intensifier. Look for common intensifying adverbs such as SO, VERY, or AWFULLY as potential answers.
- Consider Negative Connotations: If the clue implies a negative quality, think of direct synonyms for "badly" or "awfully," like AWFUL, BADLY, or DREADFUL.
- Count Your Letters: Always double-check the required letter count. This is a crucial constraint that will narrow down your options significantly for words like SO (2 letters) versus HORRIBLY (9 letters).
- Look for Part of Speech: "Terribly" is an adverb. Most answers will also be adverbs or adjectives that can function adverbially, helping you focus your search.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is "terribly" a common crossword clue?
"Terribly" is a versatile word in crosswords because it can function both as an adverb of manner (meaning 'in a terrible way') and as an intensifier (meaning 'very' or 'extremely'). This dual usage allows compilers to clue a wide range of synonyms like SO, VERY, AWFUL, or BADLY, making it a frequent appearance in puzzles.
What's the difference between "terribly" and "horribly" in crosswords?
While 'terribly' and 'horribly' are often interchangeable as intensifiers, 'horribly' usually carries a stronger connotation of fear or dread. In crosswords, they might be clued similarly, but context (and intersecting letters) can help differentiate. 'Terribly' can also imply 'very much' without negative connotations (e.g., 'terribly good'), whereas 'horribly' almost always suggests something negative.
How do I find synonyms for adverbs like 'terribly' when solving crosswords?
To find synonyms for adverbs like 'terribly', consider the context. If it's an intensifier, think of words like 'very', 'so', 'extremely', 'awfully'. If it denotes manner, think 'badly', 'poorly', 'dreadfully'. Using an online thesaurus or a crossword-specific dictionary can be very helpful. Also, pay attention to the number of letters required and any crossing letters to narrow down possibilities.