Greatly
/ˈɡreɪtli/
Definitions
To a considerable extent; very much.
/ˈɡreɪtli/
To a large extent or degree
The news greatly surprised her.
💡 Simply: It means something happened or is true *a lot* or *very much*. Like, "I greatly enjoyed the party!" means you *really* enjoyed it.
👶 For kids: It means a whole lot, or a very big amount. Like, "I greatly like ice cream!" means you *really* like it!
More Examples
He was greatly relieved when the exam was over.
The new technology has greatly improved the efficiency of the process.
The artist's work was greatly admired.
How It's Used
"The new policy has greatly improved efficiency."
"The company's profits increased greatly last quarter."
"The experimental data varied greatly depending on the conditions."
Idioms & expressions
greatly exaggerated
Describes something that has been made to seem much bigger or more important than it really is.
"Reports of the damage were greatly exaggerated."
From Middle English gretly, equivalent to great + -ly. Great in turn comes from Old English grēat (“big, large, important, great”).
Found commonly in writings from the 16th century onwards, used to denote a significant level of something.
Memory tip
Think of 'great' as the starting point. To be 'greatly' something, is for it to be done to a 'great' degree.