highly

The word “highly” means to a great degree; very much. In plain terms, very, or with high regard — an intensifier used before adjectives and verbs like "regard" or "recommend.".

“Highly” is pronounced HEYE-lee (/ˈhaɪli/ in IPA).

Here is “highly” used in a sentence: “The new phone is highly rated by reviewers.”

“Highly” is an adverb.

The word “highly” comes from Old English. From Old English hēalīce, formed from high plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.

“Highly” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Highly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to a great degree; very much.

High describes physical height or position — a high shelf, a plane flying high. Highly is used figuratively to mean 'to a great degree' or 'very,' as in highly skilled or highly recommended. You would not say a shelf is 'highly,' nor that someone is 'high skilled.' Highly intensifies, while high measures elevation.

Highly commonly pairs with qualities and judgements: highly recommended, highly likely, highly skilled, highly unusual, highly effective. It tends to modify adjectives and participles rather than plain verbs, adding the sense of 'very' or 'to a great degree' to whatever it describes.

Highly is neutral and works in both everyday and formal writing. It appears naturally in casual speech, as in 'highly unlikely,' and in professional contexts, as in 'highly regarded in the field.' It is a common, versatile intensifier, so it rarely sounds out of place whatever the register.

You might say, 'She is highly qualified for the role,' or 'The film was highly praised by critics.' In each case highly means 'to a great degree,' strengthening the word that follows to show an unusually large amount or intensity.