violently
VEYE-luhnt-lee
Violently (adv) means In a way that involves physical force or intense action. Example: “The car crashed violently into the barrier.”
adv
1
In a way that involves physical force or intense action.
"The car crashed violently into the barrier."
"The wind shook the windows violently all night long."
"The dog shook violently to dry its wet coat."
2
To an extreme or intense degree.
"Arthur started to choke violently on his drink."
— Douglas Adams, Life (1982)
"I found myself violently disagreeing with him."
"She violently disagreed with the decision."
How to use violently
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWith force or intensity — either physically, or emotionally as in "violently disagree."
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more violently
- Superlative
- most violently
Fill the gap
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The car crashed _____ into the barrier.
Etymology
From violent + the adverb suffix -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
nonviolently
Related words
Rhymes for violently
gently
recently
fluently
urgently
silently
intently
patently
decently
currently
fervently
patiently
evidently
See all rhymes for violently →
Frequently asked questions
What does “violently” mean?
The word “violently” means in a way that involves physical force or intense action. In plain terms, with force or intensity — either physically, or emotionally as in "violently disagree.".
How do you pronounce “violently”?
“Violently” is pronounced VEYE-luhnt-lee (/ˈvaɪ(ə)ləntli/ in IPA).
How do you use “violently” in a sentence?
Here is “violently” used in a sentence: “The car crashed violently into the barrier.”
What part of speech is “violently”?
“Violently” is an adverb.
Is “violently” a common word?
“Violently” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “violently” have?
“Violently” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a way that involves physical force or intense action.
What is the difference between violently and forcefully?
Violently emphasizes physical force or intense, often destructive action, while forcefully can describe strong action or expression without necessarily implying harm or destruction. "He spoke forcefully" suggests conviction, whereas "he shook violently" implies uncontrolled physical force.
Can violently be used for non-physical intensity?
Yes, violently can also describe something done to an extreme or intense degree, such as "violently opposed" or "violently ill," where it means intensely rather than with physical force. This extended, figurative use is common in everyday English.
What kinds of verbs commonly follow violently?
Violently frequently pairs with verbs describing sudden or forceful physical movement, such as shake, react, attack, or shove, as well as with adjectives expressing strong reactions like violently ill or violently opposed. The word signals intensity, whether physical or emotional.
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