ENGLISH
REFERENCE

highly

adv. degree
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈhaɪɫi// UK //hˈaɪli// high·ly General-service

adv. to a very great degree or at a high level. You use it to show that someone is very successful, respected, or that something is very likely to happen.

adv. to a high degree or extent; extremely. Often used to modify adjectives related to probability, professional status, or emotional intensity.


SIMPLE

She is a highly respected doctor in this city.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager spoke highly of your performance during the last quarterly review.

COMPLEX

While the project is highly ambitious, the initial data suggests that the proposed timeline is realistic provided that funding remains consistent throughout the fiscal year.

Synonyms
Origin

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”).

Usage

Typically placed before the adjective or past participle it modifies; also used in the fixed phrase 'speak highly of'.

Pitfall

He is a highly paid of ten dollarsHe is highly paidHighly is a degree adverb, not a preposition or a noun; it should not be followed by 'of' when modifying an adjective.

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