How Do You Spell DREADFUL?

Pronunciation: [dɹˈɛdfə͡l] (IPA)

The spelling of the word dreadful can be explained with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈdrɛdfəl/. The initial 'dr' sound is followed by the short 'e' sound and the 'd' sound. The second syllable begins with the schwa sound 'ə' and ends with the 'f' sound. The stress falls on the first syllable, which is why the 'e' is short. The spelling of dreadful may sometimes confuse non-native speakers due to the silent 'd' in the middle of the word.

DREADFUL Meaning and Definition

1. The term "dreadful" is an adjective that refers to something shockingly bad, terrible or causing great fear or discomfort. The word encompasses a sense of extreme concern or apprehension when faced with the subject at hand. It carries a connotation of being truly awful or horrible, instilling a feeling of dread or terror.

   When describing an event or situation as dreadful, it implies that it is highly unpleasant, undesirable, or horrifying. It suggests that the experience is profoundly distressing, causing anguish or intense discomfort. Something dreadful is usually regarded as the opposite of good, appealing, or enjoyable, eliciting strong negative emotions in those who encounter it.

   Dreadful can also be used to describe the characteristics or qualities of a person or thing. It indicates that an individual or object is extremely unattractive, repulsive, or repugnant. When used to refer to a person's behavior or actions, dreadful suggests that they are shockingly wrong, evil, or offensive.

   Overall, the word dreadful carries a powerful and negative aura, characterizing something or someone as causing great fear, discomfort, or distress. It serves as an impactful adjective used to express the seriousness, severity, or extreme unpleasantness of a situation, event, or individual.

2. Inspiring dread; terrible.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for DREADFUL *

• dreadfull 60.2564102%
• dreaful 20.5128205%
• dredful 7.6923076%
• dreadfaul 2.5641025%
• drebadful 2.5641025%
• dreatful 2.5641025%
• dreadfall 2.5641025%
• greadful 1.2820512%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DREADFUL

• dredfule
• deadfull
• dreadfuly
• greatful
• gradful
• dreadul
• dreadfule
• dredfull
• deadful
• rewadful
• Dreimful
• Dreemful
• wreakful
• redful
• prairful
• dremefuly
• dreadefull
• dreadfulie
• dreadfulys

Etymology of DREADFUL

The word "dreadful" originated from the Old English word "dræadfæhð", which can be broken down into two parts: "dræad" meaning fear, and "fæhð" meaning hostility or enmity. Over time, the word evolved into "dredful" in Middle English and eventually became the modern spelling of "dreadful".

Similar spelling words for DREADFUL

• dried-up,
• troutful,
• dried fruit,
• daredevil,
• drightful,
• Tradeful,
• penny-dreadful,
• Treadfowl,
• dartevelle,
• dreadfully.