dreadful
Translation
terrible, awful, very bad
Examples
We had dreadful weather on holiday.
We had dreadful weather on holiday.
I've made a dreadful mistake.
I've made a dreadful mistake.
Grammar Patterns
((adjective)) + ((noun)) describing a noun dreadful weather
((be)) + ((adjective)) used as a predicate The film was dreadful.
Similar Words
Synonyms: awful, terrible, horrible, appalling; Antonyms: wonderful, lovely, pleasant, delightful
Etymology
Formed from the noun 'dread' (great fear) + the suffix '-ful' (full of). Literally 'full of dread'.
Memory Tips
If something is 'dreadful', it is 'full' of 'dread' (fear). It's so bad it makes you feel fear or horror.