Word
spectacularly
Phoneticsspec·tac·u·lar·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/spɛkˈtækjəɫɝɫi/
UK/spɛktˈækjʊləli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is very impressive or exciting to look at. It can also mean that something happened in an extreme or complete way.
adv. in a manner that is visually striking or dramatic; alternatively, used to emphasize the extreme degree of a success or failure.
Examples
“The fireworks lit up the sky spectacularly.”
“The new product launch failed spectacularly, resulting in a massive loss for the company.”
“The mountain range was spectacularly illuminated by the setting sun, casting long, purple shadows across the valley floor.”
Examples
simple
“The fireworks lit up the sky spectacularly.”
contextual
“The new product launch failed spectacularly, resulting in a massive loss for the company.”
complex
“The mountain range was spectacularly illuminated by the setting sun, casting long, purple shadows across the valley floor.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies or the entire clause; can also function as a degree adverb to intensify adjectives.
Real-World Examples
“Maybe it’s as Miss Babs, the permanently flustered antiques-shop owner in Victoria Wood’s Acorn Antiques, or as Philippa Moorcroft, Dinnerladies’ spectacularly uptight HR manager.” “A review article in the journal Frontiers in Psychology points out that our behaviour towards unrelated members of our species is “spectacularly unusual when compared to other animals”.” “Louise Kennedy’s life has hardly wanted for dramatic events, but the recent past has been spectacularly busy, even by her standards.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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