greatly
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to a very large degree or extent.
to a considerable extent or degree; used as an intensifier for verbs and participles.
Simple“The new laws will greatly improve the safety of workers in the factory.”
In context“The success of the local initiative was greatly enhanced by the unexpected support of several international non-governmental organisations.”
UsageTypically placed before the verb it modifies or before a past participle acting as an adjective.
PitfallI 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 - 02 C2 Proficiency
in a noble or brave way.
in a noble, magnanimous, or high-minded manner.
Simple“The knight behaved greatly even when he was facing defeat.”
In context“He bore his exile greatly, never once stooping to bitter recriminations against those who had betrayed his trust.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is rare in modern English; learners will mostly encounter it in historical literature or poetry.
SynonymsnoblymagnanimouslyAntonymsmeanly
Usage greatly add · greatly affect · greatly benefit
From Middle English gretly, gretely, gretliche, greteliche, equivalent to great + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.