English Reference
Adverb

vigorously

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈvɪɡɝəsɫi/ UK /vˈɪɡəɹəsli/ vig·or·ous·ly

adv.to do something with a lot of energy, strength, or effort.

adv.in a way that involves physical strength, effort, or energy; with great force or intensity.


SIMPLE

He shook his head vigorously to say no.

CONTEXTUAL

The lawyer vigorously defended her client against the accusations during the trial.

COMPLEX

The research team vigorously pursued every lead, eventually uncovering a pattern that had been overlooked by previous investigators for decades.

Usage

Typically follows the verb it modifies or the direct object.

Pitfall
He vigorously workedHe worked vigorously

Adverbs of manner like 'vigorously' usually follow the verb or the object rather than sitting between the subject and the verb.

Nipsco has denied wrongdoing and said it would "vigorously" defend itself in court.

BBC News· 23 Aug 2026

The plants will then grow less vigorously and produce, for example, smaller flowers that are less attractive to pollinators.

Phys.org· 19 Aug 2026

From vigorous + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated