ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wonderfully

adv.
US //ˈwəndɝfəɫi// UK //wˈʌndəfəli// won·der·ful·ly
  1. 1 in a great way (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    in a way that is very good, beautiful, or pleasant.

    in a manner that inspires delight, admiration, or pleasure.

    Example

    The children behaved wonderfully during the long wedding ceremony.

    Example

    The orchestra performed wonderfully, capturing the delicate nuances of the symphony with technical precision and emotional depth.

    Usage

    Usually follows the verb it modifies.
  2. 2 extremely (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    very or extremely — used to emphasize a positive quality.

    functioning as an intensifier to emphasize the degree of a positive attribute.

    Example

    The weather was wonderfully warm for a day in late October.

    Example

    The old cottage was wonderfully quiet, providing the perfect environment for the author to finish her final chapters without distraction.

    Usage

    Placed immediately before the adjective it modifies.
Origin

From Middle English wonderfully, wunderfullie, wonderfulliche, equivalent to wonderful + -ly.

Word family

© 2026 English Reference