greatly
greatly
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "greatly" is /ˈɡreɪt.li/.
great: /ˈɡreɪt/
ly: /li/
Word Form Variations
Adverb: greatly
Adjective: great, greater (comparative), greatest (superlative)
Noun: greatness (singular, uncountable)
Verb: (No direct verb form; 'greaten' is archaic and rare)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
Greatly
To a very great extent or degree; considerably.
Synonyms: very, much, considerably, immensely, enormously, profoundly, highly
Antonyms: slightly, barely, little, minimally, negligibly
With great intensity or importance.
Synonyms: intensely, deeply, profoundly, significantly, remarkably
Antonyms: trivially, superficially, lightly
Examples of Use
Books
Non-fiction: Authors use "greatly" to stress impact or scale. A history book might state, "The invention of the printing press greatly influenced the spread of knowledge" (Penguin Press, September 2023). A scientific text could describe a climate change that "greatly altered ecosystems."
Fiction: Characters might be "greatly relieved," "greatly admired," or a situation might "greatly complicate matters." "He was greatly surprised by the unexpected turn of events."
Biographies: Authors often describe individuals who have "greatly contributed" to their field or society.
Newspapers
News Articles: Journalists frequently report on situations that have "greatly improved" or concerns that have "greatly increased." A headline might read, "New Policy Expected to Greatly Reduce Unemployment" (The New York Times, July 2025). Reports often highlight how something has "greatly impacted" a community.
Opinion Pieces: Columnists might argue that a certain decision will "greatly benefit" the public or "greatly harm the environment."
Sports Sections: A sports report might mention an athlete who has "greatly improved their performance" this season.
Online Publications
Tech Reviews: Reviewers might praise a new device for "greatly enhancing user experience" or criticize a bug that "greatly affects performance" (The Verge, April 2024).
Blogs: Lifestyle blogs might offer tips that will "greatly improve your sleep." Travel blogs could describe a place that "greatly exceeded their expectations."
Social Media: Users often express strong reactions. "I was greatly impressed by that documentary!" or "This news greatly concerns me."
Educational Websites: Tutorials might explain how a certain technique can "greatly speed up your learning process."
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows: Dialogue often includes "greatly" to convey intensity or significance. A character might say, "I am greatly honored," or "This plan has greatly complicated things."
Music: Song lyrics sometimes use "greatly" to express deep emotions. "I have loved you greatly through all these years."
Video Games: Game updates might announce "greatly improved graphics" or a new item that "greatly increases player stats."
Podcasts: Hosts discussing a topic might say, "This discovery has greatly advanced our understanding of the universe."
Documentaries: Historical documentaries might describe an event that "greatly altered the course of history."
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly say, "I'm greatly relieved to hear that," or "Your help was greatly appreciated." "My mood has greatly improved."
Workplace: Colleagues discuss initiatives that will "greatly reduce costs" or a presentation that was "greatly received." "This new strategy will greatly impact our team."
Customer Service: Customers might express that they are "greatly dissatisfied" or "greatly pleased" with a service.
Public Speeches: Speakers often use "greatly" to emphasize the importance of a topic or express gratitude. "We are greatly indebted to your unwavering support."
Quotes Using Greatly
"The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." (Mark Twain)
"True wisdom is often acquired by those who have greatly suffered and endured."
"A single act of genuine kindness can greatly influence another's entire life path."
"The full potential for human ingenuity and compassion is greatly underestimated."
"Societal progress is achieved when a community greatly values learning and adaptation."
"He who listens intently will greatly increase his understanding and perception."
"The cumulative impact of small, consistent decisions can greatly alter future outcomes."
"A greatly disciplined mind finds profound freedom within its own chosen structure."
"She was greatly admired for her unwavering courage and remarkable resilience in adversity."
"The human capacity for boundless love and empathy is greatly underestimated in our modern world."
Etymology
The word "greatly" comes from the Old English word "greatlīce," which meant "in a great manner," "mightily," or "enormously." It's formed by adding the suffix "-ly" (which turns adjectives into adverbs) to the adjective "great."
The word "great" itself comes from the Old English "great," meaning "large in size or amount" or "important."
The first known use of "greatly" in English, with the meaning of "to a large extent or degree," dates back to before the 12th century. It appeared in texts to emphasize the significant scale or intensity of something, directly combining the sense of "great" with the adverbial ending.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Greatly
Greatly appreciate: To be very thankful for something. "We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding."
Greatly improved: Having become much better. "His health has greatly improved since the surgery."
Greatly exaggerated: Described as being much larger, more important, or more serious than it actually is. "The rumors of their downfall were greatly exaggerated."
Greatly indebted: Owing a large amount of gratitude or money. "I am greatly indebted to her for her assistance."
Greatly influenced: Having a significant impact on someone or something. "Her writing was greatly influenced by her travels."
Greatly concerned: Very worried or anxious. "We are greatly concerned about the environmental changes."
Greatly increased/decreased: Changed by a large amount. "The company's profits have greatly increased this quarter."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of greatly from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
