suddenly

The word “suddenly” means in a way that happens quickly and unexpectedly. In plain terms, without warning; all at once.

“Suddenly” is pronounced SUHD-uhn-lee (/ˈsʌd.ən.li/ in IPA).

Here is “suddenly” used in a sentence: “Suddenly, the lights went out.”

“Suddenly” is an adverb.

The word “suddenly” comes from Middle English. From Middle English sodenly, built from sudden plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.

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

Suddenly describes something that happens quickly and without warning, in an instant. Gradually is the opposite, something that unfolds slowly, step by step, over time. The sky darkened suddenly means it changed in a moment; the sky darkened gradually means the change crept in slowly. They mark opposite speeds of change.

Suddenly stresses that something is unexpected and quick, catching you by surprise. Immediately stresses timing, that something happens right away with no delay, often in response to something else. A door can slam suddenly (surprisingly), while you might answer immediately (at once). One is about surprise, the other about promptness.

Suddenly, the lights went out and the room fell silent. Here it signals an abrupt, unexpected change. Other examples: she suddenly remembered where she had left her keys, or the car stopped suddenly. In each case, the action happens quickly and without warning, often surprising those involved.

The most direct opposites are gradually, slowly, and steadily, words describing change that happens over time rather than in an instant. Other contrasts include little by little and bit by bit. Where suddenly implies surprise and speed, these words suggest a gentle, expected, and unhurried unfolding of events.