The English word terrible is usually used to translate the Russian word grozny in Ivan's nickname, but that is a somewhat-archaic translation.
The Russian word grozny reflects the older English usage of terrible as in "inspiring fear or terror; dangerous; powerful; formidable".
It does not convey the more modern connotations of English terrible such as "defective" or "evil".
Vladimir Dal defines grozny specifically in archaic usage and as an epithet for tsars: "courageous, magnificent, magisterial and keeping enemies in fear, put people in obedience".
Other translations have also been suggested by modern scholars.
The English word terrible is usually used to translate the Russian word grozny in Ivan's nickname, but that is a somewhat-archaic translation. The Russian word grozny reflects the older English usage of terrible as in "inspiring fear or terror; dangerous; powerful; formidable". It does not convey the more modern connotations of English terrible such as "defective" or "evil". Vladimir Dal defines grozny specifically in archaic usage and as an epithet for tsars: "courageous, magnificent, magisterial and keeping enemies in fear, put people in obedience". Other translations have also been suggested by modern scholars.
Ivan the Terrible