Word
wildly
Phoneticswild·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈwaɪɫdɫi/
UK/wˈaɪldli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01out of control
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a way that is not controlled, often showing strong emotion or energy.
adv. in an uncontrolled, unrestrained, or chaotic manner.
“The children were running wildly around the garden during the party.”
“The crowd cheered wildly as the underdog team scored the winning goal in the final seconds of the match.”
Usage
Usually follows the verb it modifies.
Synonyms
02extremely
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. to a very great or extreme degree.
adv. to an extreme or excessive degree; often used to intensify adjectives related to success or difference.
“The new app became wildly popular within just a few weeks.”
“The actual costs of the renovation project differed wildly from the original estimates provided by the contractor.”
Usage
Typically functions as an intensifier before an adjective.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“The Argentinian international arrowed in a shot from outside the box on his weaker left foot and celebrated wildly in front of the Kop.” “It should fall somewhere between Jodie Foster’s True Detective: Night Country and a wildly freewheeling fairytale.” Etymology
From Middle English wildely, wijldeli, wildeliche, equivalent to wild + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
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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