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incredibly

adv.
US //ˌɪnˈkɹɛdəbɫi// UK //ɪnkɹˈɛdɪbli// in·cred·i·bly
  1. 1 extremely (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to a very high degree; extremely.

    used as an intensifier to indicate an extreme degree of a quality.

    Example

    The exam was incredibly difficult, but she managed to pass it.

    Example

    The research team found the data incredibly useful for predicting long-term climate shifts in the region.

    Usage

    usually placed before an adjective or another adverb.
  2. 2 surprisingly (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    used to say that something is hard to believe, even though it is true.

    used as a sentence modifier to express that the following statement is surprising or difficult to believe.

    Example

    Incredibly, no one was hurt when the old tree fell on the house.

    Example

    Incredibly, the small startup managed to outperform its multinational competitors within the first fiscal year.

    Usage

    often placed at the beginning of a sentence to modify the entire clause.
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  1. 3 in an unbelievable way (adv.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    in a way that is impossible or very hard to believe.

    in a manner that defies belief or credibility.

    Example

    He spoke incredibly about his adventures, making everyone doubt his story.

    Example

    The witness described the events so incredibly that the jury struggled to accept his testimony as factual.

    Usage

    functions as an adverb of manner describing how an action is performed.
    • believably
    • plausibly
Origin

From incredible + -ly.

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