English Reference
Adverb

aggressively

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US /əˈɡɹɛsɪvɫi/ UK /ɐɡɹˈɛsɪvli/ ag·gres·sive·ly

adv.doing something in a very strong, forceful, or angry way. You use this when someone is ready to fight or is working very hard to win.

adv.in a manner characterized by forceful energy, hostility, or a strong desire to compete. Often describes physical actions, business strategies, or interpersonal communication.


SIMPLE

The dog barked aggressively at the stranger.

CONTEXTUAL

The tech company is aggressively expanding into new markets to beat its competitors.

COMPLEX

The defense attorney aggressively questioned the witness, attempting to find inconsistencies in the testimony that might create reasonable doubt for the jury.

Usage

Typically follows the verb it modifies or the direct object.

Pitfall
He aggressively is working.He is working aggressively.

Adverbs of manner usually follow the verb or the object rather than sitting between the subject and the auxiliary verb.

Since then, they have spread throughout all five Great Lakes, where they compete aggressively with native fish for food and habitat, consume fish eggs and young, and alter aquatic food webs.

Phys.org· 18 Aug 2026

Elk numbers grew to high levels, putting pressure on the park’s vegetation, and staff aggressively managed the herds’ size.

Smithsonian Magazine· 31 Jul 2026

From aggressive + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated