What does "ghastly" convey?

The term "ghastly" is used to describe something that is shockingly frightful or horrifying. It evokes a sense of dread or revulsion, often associated with something that is gruesome or exceedingly unpleasant. The word implies a strong emotional reaction, typically of fear or disgust, which aligns perfectly with the idea of something being shockingly frightful.

In contrast, the other options convey a range of positive or neutral emotions. "Delightfully charming" suggests a sense of joy and attraction, "completely ordinary" indicates an absence of remarkable qualities, while "surprisingly pleasant" implies an unexpected enjoyment or agreeable experience. These interpretations do not match the negative connotation of "ghastly," thereby affirming that the best fit is indeed the description of something that is shockingly frightful.