ENGLISH
REFERENCE

chemically

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkɛməkɫi// UK //kˈɛmɪkli// chem·i·cal·ly Informal

adv. in a way that relates to chemistry or the use of chemicals. You use this to describe how substances react with each other or how a product is made.

adv. in a manner relating to chemistry or the properties and reactions of substances. Often used to describe processes of synthesis, alteration, or composition.


SIMPLE

The water is chemically treated to make it safe.

CONTEXTUAL

The two substances are chemically identical even though they come from different natural sources.

COMPLEX

Researchers found that the soil had been chemically altered by years of industrial runoff, making it impossible for native plants to thrive without significant remediation.

Etymology 1

From chemical + -ly.

Etymology 2

From chemical + -y.

Usage

Typically placed before a past participle or adjective to modify the method of a process.

© 2026 English Reference