Terrible vs. Awful — What's the Difference?

Causing great fear or alarm; dreadful

Very bad or unpleasant

Extremely formidable

Used to emphasize the extent of something, especially something unpleasant or negative

Extreme in extent or degree; intense

Inspiring reverential wonder or fear.

Unpleasant; disagreeable

Awfully; very

Very bad

Extremely bad or unpleasant; terrible

Dreadful; causing terror, alarm and fear; awesome

Commanding awe

Formidable, powerful.

Filled with or displaying great reverence.

Intense; extreme in degree or extent.

(Obsolete) Afraid.

Unpleasant; disagreeable.

Formidable in nature or extent

Very bad; lousy.

Extremely; very

In a terrible way; to a terrible extent; terribly; awfully.

Very bad.

Adapted or likely to excite terror, awe, or dread; dreadful; formidable.

Exceedingly great; usually applied intensively.

Excessive; extreme; severe.

Causing fear or horror; appalling, terrible.

Causing fear or dread or terror;

Inspiring awe; filling with profound reverence or respect; profoundly impressive.

Exceptionally bad or displeasing;

Struck or filled with awe or reverence.

Intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality;

(obsolete) Terror-stricken.

Extremely distressing;

(colloquial) Awfully; dreadfully; terribly.

Very, extremely.

Oppressing with fear or horror; appalling; terrible; as, an awful scene.

Inspiring awe; filling with profound reverence, or with fear and admiration; fitted to inspire reverential fear; profoundly impressive.

Struck or filled with awe; terror-stricken.

Worshipful; reverential; law-abiding.

Frightful; exceedingly bad; great; - applied intensively; as, an awful bonnet; an awful boaster.

Exceptionally bad or displeasing;

Causing fear or dread or terror;

Offensive or even (of persons) malicious;

Inspired by a feeling of fearful wonderment or reverence;

Inspiring awe or admiration or wonder;

Used as intensifiers;