terrific

In modern usage, this word is overwhelmingly positive, acting as a high-energy synonym for 'wonderful' or 'fantastic'. It carries a sense of enthusiastic approval and is common in both professional praise and casual conversation. Beyond the positive, it functions as an intensifier to describe sheer scale or power. When used to describe speed or noise, it implies something overwhelming or formidable, though not necessarily 'good'. The original meaning—rooted in terror and fear—is now rare. You will primarily encounter this version in classic literature or historical texts, where it describes things that are genuinely frightening.