highly
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to a high degree. You use this to make an adjective stronger, especially when talking about something positive or professional.
used as an intensifier meaning 'to a high degree'. It typically collocates with adjectives like 'likely', 'unlikely', 'effective', or 'unusual'.
Simple“It is highly likely that the weather will improve by tomorrow afternoon.”
In context“The research team concluded that the new treatment was highly effective, though they noted several minor side effects in the final report.”
UsageUsually placed immediately before the adjective it modifies.
Teacher's tipEncourage students to learn this as part of a pair, such as 'highly recommended' or 'highly successful'.
PitfallThe movie was highly good. The movie was very good.While 'highly' means 'very', it usually pairs with more formal or specific adjectives like 'successful' or 'intelligent' rather than simple ones like 'good' or 'big'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
in a way that shows you have a very good opinion of someone or something.
in a manner expressing high esteem or approval. Often used with verbs of speaking or thinking, such as 'speak' or 'think'.
Simple“Everyone in the office speaks highly of the new manager.”
In context“The professor thought highly of her students' original research and encouraged them to submit it to a national journal.”
UsageCommonly used in the phrases 'speak highly of' or 'think highly of'.
Teacher's tipThis sense is almost always used with 'of' to indicate the person or thing being praised.
SynonymsAntonyms
highly vs high — High describes physical elevation or a point on a scale, while highly functions as an intensifier meaning 'to a great degree'.
Usage highly precise · highly sensitive · highly valued
From Middle English hiȝly, heȝly, heyȝliche, from Old English hēalīce (“highly”), equivalent to high + -ly. Cognate with Dutch hoogelijk (“highly”), German höchlich (“highly”), Danish højlig (“highly”), Swedish högligen (“highly”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.