highly
HEYE-lee
Highly (adv) means to a great degree; very much. Example: “It is highly unlikely that the shop will open before noon.”
adv
1
To a great degree; very much.
"The highly anticipated all-American matchup between Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe — marking the first US Open semifinals between two US men in nearly 20 years — will cost you quite a few Honey Deuces to attend."
— Jordan Valinsky, Ticket prices for the all-American men’s matchup at the US Open are surging (2024)
"He is in a highly visible job."
"It is highly unlikely that the shop will open before noon."
"The recipe is highly recommended by everyone who has tried it."
"The new phone is highly rated by reviewers."
"The book was highly controversial yet sold unbelievably well."
2
With great respect or esteem.
"The head teacher thinks highly of her newest colleague."
"Our neighbours are highly regarded in the village for their kindness."
"His colleagues speak highly of his work ethic."
How to use highly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishVery, or with high regard — an intensifier used before adjectives and verbs like "regard" or "recommend."
Common mistake
Use "high" (not "highly") for physical height and for adverbs of degree with certain fixed verbs, e.g. "aim high," "fly high" — "highly" is for abstract intensity, like "highly skilled."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
highly recommended
highly unlikely
think highly of
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like highly.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- highlier, more highly
- Superlative
- highliest, most highly
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It is _____ unlikely that the shop will open before noon.
Etymology
From Old English hēalīce, formed from high plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “highly” mean?
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.".
How do you pronounce “highly”?
“Highly” is pronounced HEYE-lee (/ˈhaɪli/ in IPA).
How do you use “highly” in a sentence?
Here is “highly” used in a sentence: “The new phone is highly rated by reviewers.”
What part of speech is “highly”?
“Highly” is an adverb.
Where does the word “highly” come from?
The word “highly” comes from Old English. From Old English hēalīce, formed from high plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Is “highly” a common word?
“Highly” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “highly” have?
“Highly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to a great degree; very much.
What is the difference between highly and high?
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.
What words often follow 'highly'?
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.
Is 'highly' formal?
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.
What is an example of highly in a sentence?
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include highly:
