unusually
Unusually (adverb) means In a way that is not typical; more than normal. Example: “It was unusually cold for June.”
How to use unusually
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to say something is happening to a greater or different degree than expected.
Word forms
more unusually comparative, most unusually superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was _____ cold for June.
Etymology
From unusual plus -ly.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for unusually
See all rhymes for unusually →Frequently asked questions
What does “unusually” mean?
The word “unusually” means in a way that is not typical; more than normal. In plain terms, used to say something is happening to a greater or different degree than expected.
How do you pronounce “unusually”?
“Unusually” is pronounced uhn-YOO-zhoo-uh-lee (/ʌnˈjuːʒuəli/ in IPA).
How do you use “unusually” in a sentence?
Here is “unusually” used in a sentence: “It was unusually cold for June.”
What is the opposite of “unusually”?
The opposite of “unusually” — its antonyms — is normally.
What part of speech is “unusually”?
“Unusually” is an adverb.
Is “unusually” a common word?
“Unusually” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "unusually" and "very"?
"Unusually" specifically signals that something is more than normal or not typical, drawing attention to a departure from the expected baseline, while "very" is a general intensifier with no implication of deviation from the norm. "Unusually cold" implies the temperature is a notable exception, whereas "very cold" simply states intensity.
How is "unusually" typically used before an adjective?
"Unusually" almost always precedes an adjective or adverb it modifies, as in "unusually quiet" or "unusually fast," to show that the quality described exceeds what is typical. This construction is common in both descriptive and formal writing.
Is "unusually" the same as "unusual"?
No, "unusually" is the adverb form used to modify adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs, while "unusual" is the adjective form used to describe nouns directly. For example, "an unusual event" versus "unusually quiet."
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