ENGLISH
REFERENCE

heavily

adv. manner
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈhɛvəɫi// UK //hˈɛvili// heav·i·ly General-service

adv. to a great degree or in a large amount. You use this to describe things that happen with a lot of force, weight, or intensity.

adv. to a considerable extent or degree; with great force, weight, or intensity.


SIMPLE

It is raining heavily outside today.

CONTEXTUAL

The local economy relies heavily on tourism to provide jobs for young people in the area.

COMPLEX

The report was heavily criticized by independent experts who argued that the data collection methods were fundamentally flawed and biased toward a specific outcome.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English hevely, hevyliche, from Old English hefiġlīċe (“heavily; grievously”), equivalent to heavy + -ly.

Usage

Commonly modifies verbs of physical action or adjectives related to dependence and influence.

Pitfall

It is raining heavyIt is raining heavilyLearners often use the adjective 'heavy' instead of the adverb 'heavily' to describe the intensity of weather or actions.

© 2026 English Reference