What does "greatly" mean?

1. (very much) to a very large degree or extent. 2. (nobly) in a noble or brave way.

How do you use "greatly"?

Typically placed before the verb it modifies or before a past participle acting as an adjective.

Is it correct to say "I greatly like this book."?

No — say "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'.

greatly

adv.

US //ˈɡɹeɪtɫi// UK //ɡɹˈeɪtli// great·ly

1 very much (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to a very large degree or extent.

to a considerable extent or degree; used as an intensifier for verbs and participles.

Example

The new laws will greatly improve the safety of workers in the factory.

Example

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.
- slightly
- barely
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'.
2 nobly (adv.)
C2 Proficiency Archaic Literary

in a noble or brave way.

in a noble, magnanimous, or high-minded manner.

Example

The knight behaved greatly even when he was facing defeat.

Example

He bore his exile greatly, never once stooping to bitter recriminations against those who had betrayed his trust.

Teacher's tip

This sense is rare in modern English; learners will mostly encounter it in historical literature or poetry.
- nobly
- magnanimously
- meanly

Origin

From Middle English gretly, gretely, gretliche, greteliche, equivalent to great + -ly.

Word family

Noungreat
Noungreatness
Adverbgreatly