ENGLISH
REFERENCE

urgently

adv. manner
B1 Intermediate US //ˈɝdʒəntɫi// UK //ˈɜːdʒəntli// ur·gent·ly

adv. in a way that needs attention right now because it is very important. You use this when something cannot wait.

adv. in a manner requiring immediate action or attention due to the importance or critical nature of the situation.


SIMPLE

We need to speak with the doctor urgently.

CONTEXTUAL

The government is working urgently to restore power to the thousands of homes affected by the storm.

COMPLEX

The report concludes that the city must urgently upgrade its aging infrastructure to prevent a catastrophic failure during the next rainy season.

Synonyms
Origin

From urgent + -ly.

Usage

Typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause; can also precede the verb for emphasis.

Pitfall

I urgently need to go to the bathroomI need to go to the bathroom urgentlyWhile 'urgently' can precede the verb, it is more naturally placed at the end of the clause in everyday spoken English.

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