deeply
DEEP-lee
Deeply (adverb) means to a great or intense degree; very much. Example: “She was deeply moved by the letter.”
adverb
1
To a great or intense degree; very much.
"She was deeply moved by the letter."
"He deeply regretted his decision."
"I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped us when we moved house."
2
Far down or far into something; at a great depth.
"The roots run deeply into the soil."
"He breathed deeply before stepping on stage."
"The divers swam deeply into the dark cave, following a rope to guide them."
How to use deeply
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishVery much, or far down/far in — depending on whether it modifies a feeling or a physical distance.
Common pairings
deeply concerned
deeply rooted
sleep deeply
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more deeply, deeplier
- Superlative
- most deeply, deepliest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She was _____ moved by the letter.
Etymology
From Old English dēoplīċe, formed from dēop ("deep") plus the adverb-forming suffix -līċe, ancestor of modern -ly.
Related words
Rhymes for deeply
See all rhymes for deeply →Frequently asked questions
What does “deeply” mean?
The word “deeply” means to a great or intense degree; very much. In plain terms, very much, or far down/far in — depending on whether it modifies a feeling or a physical distance.
How do you pronounce “deeply”?
“Deeply” is pronounced DEEP-lee (/ˈdi(ː)pli/ in IPA).
How do you use “deeply” in a sentence?
Here is “deeply” used in a sentence: “She was deeply moved by the letter.”
What part of speech is “deeply”?
“Deeply” is an adverb.
Where does the word “deeply” come from?
The word “deeply” comes from Old English. From Old English dēoplīċe, formed from dēop ("deep") plus the adverb-forming suffix -līċe, ancestor of modern -ly.
Is “deeply” a common word?
“Deeply” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “deeply” have?
“Deeply” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to a great or intense degree; very much.
What is an example of 'deeply' in a sentence?
'Deeply' intensifies feelings or states: "she was deeply moved by the letter," "he is deeply committed to the cause," or "they are deeply grateful." It shows that something is felt or done to a great, heartfelt degree, rather than in a mild or superficial way.
What is the opposite of 'deeply'?
The opposites are 'slightly,' 'superficially,' and 'shallowly,' all suggesting a small or surface-level degree. Where 'deeply grateful' conveys intense, heartfelt feeling, 'slightly grateful' conveys very little. The right choice signals how strongly an emotion or quality is held, which matters when you want to sound sincere.
What is the difference between 'deeply' and 'deep'?
'Deep' can act as an adverb of physical distance — "dig deep," "breathe deep." 'Deeply' usually expresses figurative intensity — "deeply hurt," "deeply admired." When you mean strong emotion or a great degree rather than literal depth, 'deeply' is almost always the correct choice to use.
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