ghastly
|ghast/ly|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈɡæstli/
🇬🇧
/ˈɡɑːstli/
frightful or extremely unpleasant
Etymology
Etymology Information
'ghastly' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'gastli,' where 'gast' meant 'fright' or 'terror.'
Historical Evolution
'gastli' transformed into the modern English word 'ghastly' through the influence of the word 'ghost.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'inspiring fear or terror,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'frightful' or 'extremely unpleasant.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
causing great horror or fear; frightful or macabre.
The ghastly scene of the accident left everyone in shock.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42