profusely

American  

[pruh-fyoos-lee, proh‐] / prəˈfyus li, proʊ‐ /

adverb

1. to a great or excessive extent; abundantly or extravagantly.

   Every inch of wall surface both inside and outside of the temple is profusely decorated with exquisite images of flora and fauna.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unprofusely
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of profusely

profuse ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

Profusely is another way of saying "excessively." If you sweat profusely whenever your crush walks into a room, you might reconsider your ban on deodorant before asking him out. Profuse is an adjective meaning, basically, "a lot." Add the -ly and there's the adverb profusely, used to describe something that's giving off a lot — of blood, sweat, and tears for example. You might bleed profusely after you cut your thumb and cry profusely when your sweetie doesn't even offer you a Band-Aid. Other words with similar meanings include abundantly, extravagantly, lavishly, and richly. The French author Francois de la Rochefoucauld said, “Nothing is given so profusely as advice.”

Example Sentences

They may not have reached a deal, but both thanked their hosts profusely -- especially Field Marshal Munir.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

We were two strangers, our yoga mats a little too close together, already sweating profusely as the yoga teacher instructed us into sun salutations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

During an interview at the scene of the crash, Woods was "sweating profusely" and his movements were "lethargic and slow", an officer wrote in the arrest affidavit released on Tuesday.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

And then he must profusely deny his discomfort when Jay gravely says, “I’ve offended you,” and loftily—but also threateningly?—adds,

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

He woke up to Fly, who was apologizing profusely, squatting on his forehead.

From "Wishtree" by Katherine Applegate

Related Words

• lavishly