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Synonyms

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.


Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

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.”

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Vocabulary lists containing profusely

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.

Profusely thankful for making it to this day, Strawberry said his upbringing led to his life’s struggles.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 1, 2024

Profusely adorned, it featured a music box that played “Yankee Doodle” and it was accompanied by a letter from a Bingham descendant, describing the significance of the piece to the family.

From New York Times • Mar. 11, 2018

Profusely illustrated with color photographs and specially prepared maps and charts, the book is also a visual delight.

From Time Magazine Archive

Profusely illustrated and with marginal decorations by the author.

From Boy Scouts Handbook The First Edition, 1911 by Boy Scouts of America

Profusely illustrated, one vol., 8vo $1.50 An authentic, complete, up-to-date, and reliable account of the war for Cuban liberation in 1898, prepared after a careful study of the best and latest data.

From John and Betty's History Visit by Williamson, Margaret

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