English Reference

Word

environmentally

Phoneticsen·vi·ron·men·tal·ly, stress on the fourth syllable

US/ɪnˌvaɪɹənˈmɛnəɫi/

UK/ɛnvˌaɪɹənmˈɛntəli/

Adverb of manner Ecology

Definition

adv. in a way that relates to the natural world around us. You use this to describe how actions or products affect the air, water, and land.

adv. in a manner relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity on its health. Often used to modify adjectives that describe the impact of products or policies.

Examples

“The company tries to act environmentally.”

“Choosing to travel by train instead of flying is an environmentally responsible way to see the continent.”

“The government is under pressure to ensure that all new infrastructure projects are environmentally sustainable and do not disrupt local biodiversity.”

Examples

simple

“The company tries to act environmentally.”

contextual

“Choosing to travel by train instead of flying is an environmentally responsible way to see the continent.”

complex

“The government is under pressure to ensure that all new infrastructure projects are environmentally sustainable and do not disrupt local biodiversity.”

Collocations

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

01. environmentally friendly

Usage

Typically functions as a modifier for adjectives like 'friendly', 'conscious', or 'sound'.

Pitfall

an environmental friendly product

an environmentally friendly product

When modifying an adjective like 'friendly', the adverbial form ending in -ly must be used.

Real-World Examples

“In the Kickstarter example, projects of national scale benefited much more from eco-commitments because they were pitched to a larger and more diverse backer base, including environmentally aware consumers from other states.”
Phys.org 20 Aug 2026
“The researchers argue that presenting an environmentally responsible image has become a vital marketing tool for many businesses.”
Phys.org 19 Aug 2026
“John Amos of Skytruth said that the oil visible on the surface may the "tip of the iceberg of the impact environmentally", as heavier components of the oil can sink to the seabed.”
BBC News 14 Aug 2026

Etymology

From environmental + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADVERB

environmentally(B2)

Domain

Ecology

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