suddenly
SUHD-uhn-lee
Suddenly (adv) means In a way that happens quickly and unexpectedly. Example: “Suddenly, the lights went out.”
adv
1
In a way that happens quickly and unexpectedly.
"Suddenly, the lights went out."
"He suddenly remembered he'd left the oven on."
"The sky suddenly turned dark, and it began to pour with rain."
How to use suddenly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWithout warning; all at once.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like suddenly.
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
- more suddenly
- Superlative
- most suddenly
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____, the lights went out.
Etymology
From Middle English sodenly, built from sudden plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Synonyms
View more →
abruptly
unexpectedly
all at once
without warning
instantly
out of the blue
short
dead
of a sudden
all of a sudden
on the spur of the moment
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for suddenly
See all rhymes for suddenly →Frequently asked questions
What does “suddenly” mean?
The word “suddenly” means in a way that happens quickly and unexpectedly. In plain terms, without warning; all at once.
How do you pronounce “suddenly”?
“Suddenly” is pronounced SUHD-uhn-lee (/ˈsʌd.ən.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “suddenly” in a sentence?
Here is “suddenly” used in a sentence: “Suddenly, the lights went out.”
What part of speech is “suddenly”?
“Suddenly” is an adverb.
Where does the word “suddenly” come from?
The word “suddenly” comes from Middle English. From Middle English sodenly, built from sudden plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Is “suddenly” a common word?
“Suddenly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between suddenly and gradually?
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.
What is the difference between suddenly and immediately?
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.
What is an example of suddenly in a sentence?
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.
What is the opposite of suddenly?
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include suddenly:
