Word
awfully
Phoneticsaw·ful·ly
US/ˈɑfɫi/
UK/ˈɔːfəli/
Adverb of degree
Definitions
01very or extremely
B1 · Intermediate Informal
adv. you use this to emphasize an adjective, usually to say something is 'very' or 'extremely'.
adv. used as an intensifier to mean 'very' or 'extremely'.
“I am awfully sorry for the delay in getting back to you.”
“The weather was awfully cold during the summit, forcing the climbers to retreat to the base camp earlier than planned.”
Usage
Typically precedes the adjective or adverb it modifies.
02very badly
B1 · Intermediate
adv. in a way that is very bad, unpleasant, or unsuccessful.
adv. in a very poor, unpleasant, or unsuccessful manner.
“The team played awfully and lost the game by four goals.”
“The interview went awfully, as the candidate struggled to answer even the most basic technical questions regarding the role.”
Usage
Usually follows the verb it modifies.
Antonyms
03inspiring awe
C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary
adv. in a way that makes you feel great respect, wonder, or even a little fear.
adv. in a manner that inspires awe, solemnity, or profound respect.
“The mountain range rose awfully against the dark purple sky.”
“The cathedral's interior was awfully grand, its vaulted ceilings disappearing into the shadows of the evening.”
Teaching tip
This original sense is rare today; modern speakers almost exclusively use the word as an intensifier or to mean 'badly'.
Synonyms
Etymology
From awful + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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