Which text uses the word terribly in its traditional sense?
Ronald shivered terribly as he gazed at the snow-clad slope. After calming his nerves, he began his descent. Ronald shivered as he gazed at the terribly steep, snowy slope. After calming his nerves, he began his descent.
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 first text uses terribly in its traditional sense: in a terrible manner.
Ronald shivered terribly as he gazed at the snow-clad slope. After calming his nerves, he began his descent.
The second text uses terribly in its nontraditional sense: extremely; very.
Ronald shivered as he gazed at the terribly steep, snowy slope. After calming his nerves, he began his descent.
Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word terribly because it is considered more standard.