noun

adverb

AD-vurb

Adverb (noun) means a word that modifies a verb, an adjective or another adverb, describing how, when, where or to what degree something happens — such as quickly, yesterday, here or very. Example: “In "she ran quickly," the adverb is "quickly".”

noun

A word that modifies a verb, an adjective or another adverb, describing how, when, where or to what degree something happens — such as quickly, yesterday, here or very.

"In "she ran quickly," the adverb is "quickly"."

How to Use Adverb

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA word that describes how, when or where something happens.

Memory tip

Latin "added to the verb" — that is exactly its job.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

adjective →

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

In "she ran quickly," the _____ is "quickly".

Etymology

From Latin "adverbium," from "ad-" (to) plus "verbum" (word or verb) — literally a word added to a verb.

Origin: Latin

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an adverb?

A word that tells you more about a verb, adjective or another adverb — how, when, where or how much. "Quickly," "yesterday," "outside" and "extremely" are all adverbs.

Do all adverbs end in -ly?

No. Many do (slowly, carefully), but plenty do not — fast, well, very, here, often, never. And some -ly words are adjectives, such as friendly and lovely.

What is the difference between an adjective and an adverb?

An adjective describes a noun ("a quick runner"), while an adverb describes a verb, adjective or adverb ("she ran quickly").

Featured In

Vocabulary lists that include adverb:

Words That End With B