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REFERENCE

sorely

adv. degree
C1 Advanced US //ˈsɔɹɫi// UK //sˈɔːli// sore·ly

adv. to a very high degree, especially when you are talking about something you need or miss. You use it to show that a feeling is very strong.

adv. to a great or intense degree; extremely. Typically modifies verbs related to needing, missing, or being disappointed.


SIMPLE

I will sorely miss my friends when I move away.

CONTEXTUAL

The team's star player was sorely missed during the championship game after his sudden injury.

COMPLEX

The city's infrastructure was sorely tested by the record-breaking rainfall, revealing decades of neglect in the drainage systems.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English sorely, from Old English sārlīċ (adjective), sārlīċe (adverb); equivalent to sore + -ly.

Usage

Typically precedes the verb it modifies, especially 'miss', 'need', or 'tempted'.

Pitfall

I am sorely for a coffeeI am sorely in need of a coffeeSorely is an adverb of degree and must modify a verb or an adjective, not stand alone as a prepositional substitute.

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