terribili

Terribili is the plural masculine and feminine form of the Italian adjective terribile, meaning frightening, terrible, or formidable. It is used to describe nouns that provoke fear, awe, or a strong negative assessment. In Italian, adjectives agree with the noun in gender and number; the singular form terribile is used for both masculine and feminine singular nouns, while the plural form terribili is used for both masculine and feminine plural nouns.

Etymology and form: The word derives from the Latin terribilis, meaning able to cause terror, from the root terr- “to frighten” plus a suffix indicating capability. The sense in Italian preserves the core idea of inducing fear or distress.

Usage and examples: Terribili can describe a wide range of phenomena, from events and creatures to feelings and situations. Examples include: "Una tempesta terribile" (a terrible storm), "giorni terribili" (terrible days), "la situazione è terribile" (the situation is terrible). The form terribile/terribili also appears in literary or emphatic contexts to heighten intensity. When referring to multiple items, the plural terribili is used regardless of the noun’s gender.

Semantics and related terms: Terribile and its plural terribili convey strong negative evaluation or severity. Related adjectives with similar meanings include tremendo, spaventoso, and orribile, while terrore is a noun related to fear. In modern usage, terribile can appear in both literal descriptions and metaphorical or hyperbolic expressions.

See also: Italian adjectives and agreement; list of synonyms for fear and intensity; etymology of Italian words derived from Latin terribilis.