greatly
Americanadverb
-
in or to a great degree; much.
greatly improved in health.
-
in a great manner.
Etymology
Origin of greatly
First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English gretli, gretlich(e); great + -ly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Once a cultural touchstone, late-night television has seen its prominence erode greatly over the years with viewers and advertising dollars shifting away from broadcast TV to streaming.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
Many clinicians point to the paracervical block—a simple, targeted injection of a local anesthetic around the cervix—as a way to greatly reduce pain during IUD insertions.
From Slate • Jun. 7, 2026
"Rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated," he said, rejecting the idea Russia was on the brink of a full-blown crisis.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
"They will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with the families and all those affected."
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
President Eisenhower, it was understood, greatly enjoyed golf.
From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
