* Expressing intense dislike or fear: "I dreadfully dislike spiders, their eight legs just creep me out."
* Describing a severe state or situation: "The weather was dreadfully cold, making it impossible to enjoy our walk."
* Emphasizing a negative feeling: "I was dreadfully disappointed when my plans fell through."
* Expressing sorrow or regret: "She felt dreadfully sorry for her harsh words."
* To make a statement sound more formal or dramatic: "The news was dreadfully upsetting, as we had hoped for a different outcome."
The word "dreadfully" conveys a strong negative emotion or a serious situation. It can be used to express a range of feelings, from fear to sadness to disappointment.