Word
greatly
Phoneticsgreat·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɹeɪtɫi/
UK/ɡɹˈeɪtli/
Adverb of degree
Definitions
01very much
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. to a very large degree or extent.
adv. to a considerable extent or degree; used as an intensifier for verbs and participles.
“The new laws will greatly improve the safety of workers in the factory.”
“The success of the local initiative was greatly enhanced by the unexpected support of several international non-governmental organisations.”
Usage
Typically placed before the verb it modifies or before a past participle acting as an adjective.
Pitfall
I greatly like this book.
I like this book very much.
While 'greatly' is an intensifier, it sounds more natural with verbs like 'admire', 'appreciate', or 'improve' than with 'like'.
Synonyms
02nobly
C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary
adv. in a noble or brave way.
adv. in a noble, magnanimous, or high-minded manner.
“The knight behaved greatly even when he was facing defeat.”
“He bore his exile greatly, never once stooping to bitter recriminations against those who had betrayed his trust.”
Teaching tip
This sense is rare in modern English; learners will mostly encounter it in historical literature or poetry.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “greatly” in context.
Verb
01. greatly add
“The new illustrations greatly add to the appeal of the children's book.”
adv + verb
02. greatly affect
“The new government policies will greatly affect small businesses in the region.”
adv + verb
03. greatly benefit
“Local communities will greatly benefit from the construction of the new park.”
adv + verb
04. greatly change
“The invention of the internet has greatly changed how we communicate.”
adv + verb
05. greatly contribute
“Regular exercise can greatly contribute to your overall health and well-being.”
adv + verb
06. greatly depend
“The success of the project will greatly depend on the team's cooperation.”
adv + verb
07. greatly differ
“Opinions on the matter greatly differ between the two political parties.”
adv + verb
08. greatly enhance
“The chef used fresh herbs to greatly enhance the flavor of the dish.”
adv + verb
09. greatly exaggerate
“The media tends to greatly exaggerate the risks associated with the new law.”
adv + verb
10. greatly exceed
“The final costs of the renovation greatly exceed the original budget.”
adv + verb
11. greatly expand
“The company plans to greatly expand its operations in the Asian market.”
adv + verb
12. greatly extend
“The new battery technology will greatly extend the range of electric vehicles.”
adv + verb
Real-World Examples
“Waiting times for donated hearts can vary greatly - from eight months to four-and-a-half years - depending on the hospital.” “More than three million people in the UK work night shifts, which can greatly impact their health.” Etymology
From Middle English gretly, gretely, gretliche, greteliche, equivalent to great + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
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.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
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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