"Dreadful" vs. "terrible": a comparative insight

What is similar?

Both "dreadful" and "terrible" are adjectives used to describe something that is very bad, unpleasant, or causing fear and alarm. They often serve as synonyms and can be used interchangeably in many contexts.

What is different?

While both words indicate something negative, "dreadful" often conveys a sense of fear or dread, suggesting an emotional or psychological impact. "Terrible" typically emphasizes the quality or extent of badness and is more neutral, often expressing severity or intensity rather than fear.

Which one is more common?