Word
vigorously
Phoneticsvig·or·ous·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈvɪɡɝəsɫi/
UK/vˈɪɡəɹəsli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
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.
Examples
“He shook his head vigorously to say no.”
“The lawyer vigorously defended her client against the accusations during the trial.”
“The research team vigorously pursued every lead, eventually uncovering a pattern that had been overlooked by previous investigators for decades.”
Examples
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 worked
He worked vigorously
Adverbs of manner like 'vigorously' usually follow the verb or the object rather than sitting between the subject and the verb.
Real-World Examples
“Nipsco has denied wrongdoing and said it would "vigorously" defend itself in court.” “The plants will then grow less vigorously and produce, for example, smaller flowers that are less attractive to pollinators.” Etymology
From vigorous + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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