Which text uses the word terribly in its traditional sense?
Colette made escargots using the small snails from her garden. She prepared them according to the recipe but found the chewy texture terribly disappointing. Colette decided to make escargots using the small snails from her garden, but she prepared them terribly. Since she'd forgotten to add garlic, the taste was disappointing.
Words change in meaning when speakers begin using them in new ways. For example, the word peruse once only meant to examine in detail, but it's now also commonly used to mean to look through in a casual manner.
When a word changes in meaning, its correct usage is often debated. Although a newer sense of the word may be more commonly used, many people consider a word's traditional definition to be the correct usage. Being able to distinguish the different uses of a word can help you use it appropriately for different audiences.
Britney perused her notes, carefully preparing for her exam.
The traditional usage above is considered more standard.
David perused the magazine, absentmindedly flipping through the pages.
The nontraditional usage above is now commonly used, but traditional style guides generally advise against it.
The second text uses terribly in its traditional sense: in a terrible manner.
Colette decided to make escargots using the small snails from her garden, but she prepared them terribly. Since she'd forgotten to add garlic, the taste was disappointing.
The first text uses terribly in its nontraditional sense: extremely; very.
Colette made escargots using the small snails from her garden. She prepared them according to the recipe but found the chewy texture terribly disappointing.
Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word terribly because it is considered more standard.