verschrikkelijke

Verschrikkelijke is a Dutch adjective that translates to "terrible," "horrible," "awful," or "dreadful" in English. It is used to describe something that causes extreme distress, fear, or unpleasantness. The word can be applied to a wide range of situations, from personal experiences to abstract concepts.

For instance, one might describe a "verschrikkelijke ongeluk" (terrible accident), a "verschrikkelijke ziekte" (horrible disease), or a "verschrikkelijke pijn" (awful pain). It can also be used to express strong negative opinions about something, such as a "verschrikkelijke film" (terrible film) or a "verschrikkelijke dag" (awful day). The intensity of the word suggests a significant degree of negativity, going beyond mere dislike or inconvenience.

The etymology of "verschrikkelijke" can be traced back to the verb "schrikken," meaning "to be startled" or "to be frightened." The prefix "ver-" often indicates a more intense or complete action. Therefore, "verschrikken" means "to frighten greatly" or "to terrify." The adjective "verschrikkelijke" is derived from this verb, conveying the state of being terrified or experiencing something that causes terror. Its usage implies a powerful emotional or sensory impact on the observer or experiencer.