heavily

[hev-uh-lee]

adverb

1. with a great weight or burden.

   a heavily loaded wagon.

2. in a manner suggestive of carrying a great weight; ponderously; lumberingly.

   He walked heavily across the room.

3. in an oppressive manner.

   Cares weigh heavily upon him.

4. severely; greatly; intensely.

   to suffer heavily.

5. densely; thickly.

   heavily wooded.

6. in large amounts or in great quantities; very much.

   It rained heavily on Tuesday.

7. without animation or vigor; in a dull manner; sluggishly.

Other Word Forms

• overheavily adverb
• unheavily adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of heavily¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English hevyly, Old English hefiglīce; equivalent to heavy + -ly

Example Sentences

The fire left the building’s interior heavily damaged, delaying the collection of evidence and possible recovery of additional victims.

From Salon

"We've spoken to a woman today who is heavily pregnant and not being supported for her pregnancy or for her mental health or for her housing," she continues.

From BBC

Protesters argue that his record of service in public education should weigh heavily against deportation.

From Salon

After New Zealand invested heavily and late in the last cycle to turn around a faltering Black Ferns side and lift the trophy, is there a template emerging?

From BBC

Now the evidence suggests Russia has been investing heavily in restoring its influence.

From BBC

Related Words

• densely www.thesaurus.com
• massively www.thesaurus.com
• thickly www.thesaurus.com