Word
unusually
Phoneticsun·usu·al·ly
US/ənˈjuˌʒuəɫi/
UK/ʌnjˈuːʒuːəli/
Adverb of degree
Definition
adv. in a way that is not normal or expected. You use this to highlight that something is different from how it usually is.
adv. to a degree or in a manner that is uncommon or remarkable. Often used to modify adjectives to indicate a deviation from the norm.
Examples
“The weather is unusually warm for this time of year.”
“The train station was unusually quiet on Monday morning, which made the commuters feel quite uneasy.”
“Despite his reputation for being quite talkative, he remained unusually silent throughout the entire board meeting, leading many to suspect he was hiding something.”
Examples
simple
“The weather is unusually warm for this time of year.”
contextual
“The train station was unusually quiet on Monday morning, which made the commuters feel quite uneasy.”
complex
“Despite his reputation for being quite talkative, he remained unusually silent throughout the entire board meeting, leading many to suspect he was hiding something.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unusually” in context.
Usage
Typically placed before the adjective it modifies or at the end of a clause to describe a manner of action.
Real-World Examples
“The fire follows weeks of unusually hot and dry weather.” “After largely escaping the heat wave that blanketed much of Europe earlier this summer, Greece has been hit with several major wildfires since late July, fueled by unusually strong winds.” Etymology
From unusual + -ly or un- + usually.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/unusually