grossly

[grohs-lee]

adverb

1. extremely or flagrantly.

   Frankly, this article is nonsense, because the writer is grossly oversimplifying the problem.

2. in an indecent or obscene way; to a degree considered indecent or obscene.

   He contended that the crude remark about the candidate’s mother breached standards of good taste and was "grossly offensive."

3. in a very general, broad, or rough way.

   In the study, early stomach cancer was grossly classified into three major types, based solely on surface characteristics.

4. in a coarse way that shows lack of refinement or good manners.

   He ate grossly, stuffing his mouth with food which the little boy cut up for him on the plate.

5. thickly or densely.

   The trail is grossly overgrown, as it has not been cut back at all this year.

6. Slang.,  in an extremely disgusting or repulsive way.

   On entering, you’re met by a swarm of grossly dressed uncles—one of them in an undershirt and pajama shorts—milling all over the place.

Other Word Forms

• overgrossly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of grossly¹

gross ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Sir Lenny argues that black British people are grossly over-represented in the prison population and that there are relatively higher levels of black unemployment "all because of the transatlantic slave trade".

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Minter also said that Chiles has grossly “mischaracterized the law” in their arguments, particularly as it relates to what this law actually does and does not prohibit a doctor from doing.

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According to Essex University's Prof Lorna Woods, the lowest level of views that can be prosecuted in British criminal law are those deemed "grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character".

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Although the reason for Belarus charging her was never explained, she was accused under two articles of the criminal code, for active participation in actions that grossly violate public order and assistance to extremist activity.

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"It's grossly financially negligent to a criminal degree to leave that value underground and not to extract it."

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