greatly
GRAYT-lee
Greatly (adv) means to a large extent or degree; very much. Example: “Her health has greatly improved since the surgery.”
adv
1
To a large extent or degree; very much.
"Expenses greatly exceeded revenues this year, much to nobody's surprise."
"I admire Elvis Presley greatly."
"Her health has greatly improved since the surgery."
"The new policy greatly reduced waiting times at the clinic."
"He was more greatly beloved than anyone in living memory."
"I greatly appreciate your help with moving house."
How to use greatly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal way of saying "very much" or "a lot," usually placed before a verb.
Common pairings
greatly improved
greatly appreciated
greatly reduced
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more greatly, greater, greatlier
- Superlative
- most greatly, greatest, greatliest
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Her health has _____ improved since the surgery.
Etymology
From Middle English gretly, formed from great plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for greatly
See all rhymes for greatly →Frequently asked questions
What does “greatly” mean?
The word “greatly” means to a large extent or degree; very much. In plain terms, a formal way of saying "very much" or "a lot," usually placed before a verb.
How do you pronounce “greatly”?
“Greatly” is pronounced GRAYT-lee (/ˈɡɹeɪtli/ in IPA).
How do you use “greatly” in a sentence?
Here is “greatly” used in a sentence: “Her health has greatly improved since the surgery.”
What is the opposite of “greatly”?
The opposite of “greatly” — its antonyms — is slightly.
What part of speech is “greatly”?
“Greatly” is an adverb.
Where does the word “greatly” come from?
The word “greatly” comes from Middle English. From Middle English gretly, formed from great plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Is “greatly” a common word?
“Greatly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between 'greatly' and 'very'?
'Greatly' modifies verbs and means to a large extent, as in 'I greatly admire her,' while 'very' mainly modifies adjectives and adverbs, as in 'very tired.' You would not say 'very admire.'
When should you use 'greatly' instead of 'a lot'?
'Greatly' is more formal and usually comes before a verb or past participle, as in 'greatly improved.' 'A lot' is informal and usually follows the verb, as in 'improved a lot.' Choose 'greatly' for formal or written English.
Is 'greatly' formal or informal?
'Greatly' is fairly formal and appears often in writing and careful speech, especially with words like 'appreciate,' 'admire,' or 'exaggerated.' In casual conversation, speakers more often say 'a lot' or 'really.'
What words commonly follow 'greatly'?
'Greatly' often precedes verbs and participles such as 'greatly appreciate,' 'greatly improved,' 'greatly reduced,' and 'greatly exaggerated.' It typically strengthens the verb rather than an adjective.
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