VocabDictionary

horrible

/ˈhɔːr.ə.bəl/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Causing or evoking horror, dread, or apprehension; extremely unpleasant, disagreeable, or shocking.

Example Sentences:
  • We heard a horrible noise coming from the basement in the middle of the night.
  • She made a horrible mistake by deleting the entire project file.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “horrible”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Late Middle English: via Old French from Latin horribilis, from horrere 'to bristle with fear, shudder'.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'horror' inside 'horrible'—something that causes horror is horrible.

Frequently Asked Questions About “horrible

1. What is the meaning of “horrible” in English?

In English, horrible (adjective) is defined as: “Causing or evoking horror, dread, or apprehension; extremely unpleasant, disagreeable, or shocking.”.

2. How do you use “horrible” in a sentence?

We heard a horrible noise coming from the basement in the middle of the night.

3. What are English synonyms of “horrible”?

Common synonyms include:dreadful,terrible,awful,ghastly,appalling

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “horrible”?

Late Middle English: via Old French from Latin horribilis, from horrere 'to bristle with fear, shudder'.