Word
beautifully
Phoneticsbeau·ti·ful·ly
US/ˈbjutəfɫi/
UK/bjˈuːtɪfəli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is very attractive or pleasing to look at or listen to. You use it to describe something done with great skill or grace.
adv. in a manner that possesses or creates aesthetic excellence or grace. Often used to modify verbs related to performance, creation, or appearance.
Examples
“She sings beautifully and everyone stops to listen.”
“The old house was beautifully restored using original materials from the nineteenth century.”
“The author beautifully weaves together multiple plot lines, creating a narrative that feels both complex and effortless by the final chapter.”
Examples
simple
“She sings beautifully and everyone stops to listen.”
contextual
“The old house was beautifully restored using original materials from the nineteenth century.”
complex
“The author beautifully weaves together multiple plot lines, creating a narrative that feels both complex and effortless by the final chapter.”
Usage
Manner adverb — typically placed after the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.
Pitfall
She sings beautiful
She sings beautifully
Learners often use the adjective 'beautiful' instead of the adverb 'beautifully' to describe an action.
Etymology
From beautiful + -ly, circa 17th century.
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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/beautifully