ENGLISH
REFERENCE

desperately

adv.
US //ˈdɛspɝətɫi// UK //dˈɛspəɹətli// des·per·ate·ly
  1. 1 extremely or very much (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    used to emphasize how much you want or need something.

    used as an intensifier to indicate extreme degree, typically with verbs of wanting, needing, or hoping.

    Example

    The small village desperately needs a new doctor before the winter starts.

    Example

    The charity is desperately seeking volunteers to assist with the distribution of emergency supplies in the flooded regions.

  2. 2 in a hopeless way (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    doing something in a way that shows you have little hope or are in a dangerous situation.

    in a manner that suggests despair, urgency, or a lack of regard for safety due to extreme circumstances.

    Example

    He looked desperately for his lost keys as the last train began to pull away.

    Example

    The trapped hikers signaled desperately to the rescue helicopter, waving their bright jackets against the grey rocks.

Origin

From desperate + -ly.

Word family

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