English Reference

Word

densely

Phoneticsdense·ly, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈdɛnsɫi/

UK/dˈɛnsli/

Adverb of manner

Definition

adv. in a way that has many people or things packed closely together. You use it to describe crowds, forests, or packed schedules.

adv. characterised by a high concentration of items, people, or events within a given space or period.

Examples

“The city centre is densely populated.”

“The tropical rainforest is so densely packed with trees that sunlight rarely reaches the ground.”

“In densely populated urban areas, efficient public transport systems are essential to reduce traffic congestion and pollution levels.”

Examples

simple

“The city centre is densely populated.”

contextual

“The tropical rainforest is so densely packed with trees that sunlight rarely reaches the ground.”

complex

“In densely populated urban areas, efficient public transport systems are essential to reduce traffic congestion and pollution levels.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “densely” in context.

01. densely populated

Real-World Examples

“In reality, they are densely packed, layered communities built by microbes.”
ScienceDaily 3 Sept 2026
“An espresso has a short brew time and uses pressure to force water through densely packed coffee.”
Perfect Daily Grind 22 Nov 2018
“But then the water and sand separate, leaving a layer of densely packed wet sand which can trap it.”
BBC 29 Mar 2016
“Nominalizations allow us to pack the information in our sentences more densely.”
The New York Times 5 Apr 2013

Word family

ADJECTIVE

ADVERB

densely(B2)

This entry

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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference