# madly

/ˈmædɫi/ (US) · /mˈædli/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/madly
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to a very high degree or in an extremely excited way. You use it to show that someone is doing something with a lot of energy or strong emotion.

For teachers: to an extreme degree or in a frenzied, uncontrolled manner. Often used as an intensifier for verbs related to emotion or activity.

## Examples

- They are madly in love with each other.
- The scientists worked madly to finish the report before the midnight deadline.
- The crowd cheered madly as the underdog team scored the winning goal in the final seconds of the championship match.

## Usage notes

- Commonly functions as an intensifier for the adjective 'in love' or verbs of action.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.