Badly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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badly
[ˈbædli ]
Definition
adverb
In a severe or harmful way. Used to emphasize the degree of something negative.
Synonyms
awfully, horribly, poorly, severely, terribly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| badly |
Use when something goes wrong or in a poor manner. It can describe situations, emotions, or abilities.
|
| severely |
Describes something extreme in nature, often referring to damage or conditions. It can convey a sense of seriousness.
|
| poorly |
Describes something done in a substandard or inadequate manner. Often used in formal or neutral contexts.
|
| terribly |
Indicates something very bad or dreadful. Can also mean 'very' in informal speech, similar to 'awfully'.
|
| awfully |
Emphasizes the extent or degree of something, often negative. It can also mean 'very' in informal contexts.
|
| horribly |
Describes something very unpleasant or terrible. It often adds a sense of shock or distress.
|
Examples of usage
- She was badly injured in the accident.
- He felt badly about forgetting her birthday.
- The team performed badly in the championship.
- The situation is getting worse badly.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'badly behaved' is common in stories and media, often used for characters that act in a naughty or troublesome way.
- In many songs and movies, characters might say they did something badly to express disappointment or humor, adding a light-hearted twist.
Psychology
- Feeling like you've done something badly can lead to low self-esteem, as people often tie their identity to their performance.
- Research shows that the fear of doing something badly can cause anxiety, potentially stopping people from trying new things.
Literature
- In literature, characters often reflect on their actions being done badly as a way to develop their arc and learn from mistakes.
- Authors frequently use the concept of doing things badly to evoke sympathy or to challenge a character to improve.
Language and Usage
- Badly can also suggest a strong emotion; for example, when someone says they want something badly, it means they desire it very much.
- The adverb 'badly' is sometimes used humorously or ironically in phrases like 'I badly need a holiday', showing intensity.
Origin of 'badly'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'badly' comes from 'bad', which has roots going back to Old English, where it meant 'evil' or 'wicked'.
- The suffix '-ly' is used to form adverbs, meaning that it describes how something is done.
The adverb 'badly' is derived from the adjective 'bad,' which originated from Old English 'bæd' meaning 'effeminate, cowardly, worthless.' Over time, the meaning evolved to signify something negative or of low quality. The adverb form 'badly' emerged in Middle English to describe actions done in a severe or harmful manner.