Highly: meaning, definitions and examples

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highly

 

[ หˆhaษชli ]

Adverb / Adjective
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

intensity

To a great extent; very much; extremely.

Synonyms

extremely, greatly, intensely, very.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
highly

This is often used to express a high degree of opinion or recommendation. It can also describe skills or abilities.

  • She is highly skilled in mathematics
  • The movie is highly recommended
extremely

This shows an exceptionally high level of something, often used for emphasis and to express strong feelings or qualities.

  • The weather today is extremely hot
  • He was extremely happy with the results
very

A common word used to emphasize adjectives or adverbs, indicating a high degree but less intense than 'extremely' or 'intensely'.

  • He is very tall
  • The book is very interesting
greatly

This is typically used to indicate a significant amount or extent, often in the context of feelings, appreciation or impacts.

  • I greatly appreciate your help
  • The landscape has changed greatly over the years
intensely

This is used to describe something with great intensity, often associated with emotions or situations that are very strong or forceful.

  • She stared at him intensely
  • The debate was intensely heated

Examples of usage

  • She was highly impressed with his performance.
  • The project was highly successful.
  • I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the topic.
Context #2 | Adjective

quality

Of a high quality or standard.

Synonyms

excellent, first-class, superb, top-notch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
highly

Used to emphasize a strong degree or extent, often with adjectives or adverbs.

  • She is highly talented
  • This book is highly recommended
excellent

Used when describing something of very high quality or very good results.

  • He did an excellent job on the project
  • The restaurant has excellent service
superb

Employed to indicate something is extremely good or impressive.

  • The meal was superb
  • She delivered a superb performance
top-notch

Informal phrase used to denote something of the best quality or very high standard.

  • The school has top-notch facilities
  • He is a top-notch engineer
first-class

Used to describe something of the highest quality, often implying superiority in rank or status.

  • They provide a first-class travel experience
  • The hotel offers first-class amenities

Examples of usage

  • She is a highly skilled professional.
  • The restaurant is known for its highly rated cuisine.
  • The company has a highly effective marketing strategy.
Context #3 | Adjective

probability

Very likely to happen or be true.

Synonyms

anticipated, expected, probable, very likely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
highly

Use 'highly' to emphasize a strong degree or extent of something. It's common in formal situations or when giving a strong recommendation.

  • She is highly respected in her field
  • The movie comes highly recommended
very likely

Use 'very likely' to describe something that has a high chance of occurring. It is less formal and more conversational compared to 'probable'.

  • It's very likely that we'll meet again
  • She is very likely to win the race
probable

Use 'probable' to indicate something is more likely than not to happen. This word is often used in formal or scientific contexts.

  • It is probable that we will see an increase in sales next quarter
  • Winning the game seems probable given their current form
expected

Use 'expected' for something that is thought to happen, usually because it is normal or planned. It does not necessarily carry excitement or intensity.

  • Rain is expected this afternoon
  • He is expected to arrive at 8 PM
anticipated

Use 'anticipated' when referring to something expected eagerly or with excitement. It is often used for events, releases, or results.

  • The new iPhone launch is highly anticipated
  • Her performance was the most anticipated part of the evening

Examples of usage

  • It is highly probable that they will win the competition.
  • The plan is highly unlikely to fail.
  • The candidate is highly favored to win the election.

Translations

Translations of the word "highly" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น altamente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคšเฅเคš เคฐเฅ‚เคช เคธเฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช hรถchst

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sangat

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดัƒะถะต

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wysoce

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้žๅธธใซ (ใฒใ˜ใ‚‡ใ†ใซ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท hautement

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ altamente

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yรผksek derecede

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋งค์šฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุดุฏุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vysoce

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vysoko

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ซ˜ๅบฆๅœฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zelo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mjรถg

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ำฉั‚ะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒซแƒแƒšแƒ˜แƒแƒœ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yรผksษ™k dษ™rษ™cษ™dษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ altamente

Etymology

The word 'highly' originated from the Middle English word 'heghlich', which meant 'in a high degree'. Over time, it evolved to its current form, maintaining its essence of intensity and quality. The adverb 'highly' has been used in the English language for centuries to emphasize the degree or extent of something. It is a versatile word that can be applied to various contexts to convey a sense of excellence, probability, or intensity.

See also: high, highbrow, higher, highest, highland, highway.

Word Frequency Rank

At #942 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.