dreadful
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈdrɛd.fəl/
KK: /ˈdrɛd.fəl/
adjective
Definition
Very bad or unpleasant; causing fear or shock.
Example
The movie was so dreadful that I couldn't finish watching it.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more dreadful
Superlative: most dreadful
Conversation
Did you see that movie last night?
Yeah, it was really dreadful and boring.
I couldn't believe how dreadful the acting was!
I know, right? I expected so much more.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
awful
terrible
horrible
Antonyms
pleasant
wonderful
delightful
noun
Definition
Not a valid English word.
Example
Not available
Conversation
Did you read that new magazine?
No, I heard it's full of dreadful gossip.
Yeah, I flipped through it, and it really is quite bad.
I guess some people love that kind of dreadful stuff, though.
Root Explanation
Dreadful → It is formed from "dread" (from Old English *drædan*, meaning to fear) and "-ful" (meaning full of). The word "dreadful" means full of dread or causing fear.
Memory Tip
Think of feeling 'fear' ('dread') and being 'full of' that fear ('-ful'). This helps you remember that 'dreadful' describes something that causes a lot of fear.
Visually Confused Words
undreadful
rewardful
regardful
dredgeful
undreadfully
ideaful
headful
disregardful