# wildly

/ˈwaɪɫdɫi/ (US) · /wˈaɪldli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wildly
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. out of control

adverb · CEFR B2

in a way that is not controlled, often showing strong emotion or energy.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. extremely

adverb · CEFR B2

to a very great or extreme degree.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The price of the house varies wildly between different neighborhoods.
- The two scientists reached wildly different conclusions despite looking at the exact same data set.
- The stock market fluctuated wildly throughout the afternoon as investors reacted to the unexpected news from the central bank.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.