Why is the word ‘terrific’ positive when it’s derived from the word ‘terror’???

yip, a question many a people have and will ask in times to come. I’ll tell you what I think all teacher’s should tell their students when faced with this question. “because it is”

but seriously, the words being so close in spelling doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s derived from it. so just because they both start with terr doesn’t mean they are related. the same way that Jason Parker and Jason Connor are not related, but their first names are the same. this is just my theory… it’s not a proven fact

why not also say:

funeral is derived from fun

slaughter is derived from laughter

(close enough)

Anyway, here is a brief etymology:

terrific

1667, “frightening,” from L. terrificus “causing terror or fear,” from terrere “fill with fear” (see terrible) + root of facere “to make” (see factitious). Weakened sensed of “very great, severe” (e.g. terrific headache) appeared 1809; colloquial sense of “excellent” began 1888.

If the opposite of PRO is CON and Progress is going Forward Then What Is CONGRESS???

Same evolution of “gay” or “bad” or “cool”

Starts with a sliver of relationship. (i.e. “terror” being an overwhelming emotion) and then evolves.

Why are the words “aweful” and “awesome”, so similar yet so different in meaning?

Just our language… its silly sometimes.