Heavily
/ˈhɛvɪli/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo a significant extent or degree; with great force or intensity.
/ˈhɛvɪli/
To a great extent or degree; intensely
The economy relies heavily on tourism.
💡 Simply: When something happens 'heavily,' it's like it's super intense! Imagine a storm raining heavily, or someone working really hard and investing heavily in something. It’s about the degree of something.
👶 For kids: Like when it rains a LOT or someone is putting a LOT of effort into something.
More Examples
The suspect was breathing heavily after running.
She relied heavily on her mentor's advice.
How It's Used
"The rain fell heavily all night."
"The company invested heavily in new technology."
In a manner suggestive of physical weight or burden; with great physical effort or pressure.
/ˈhɛvɪli/
In a manner that suggests physical weight or pressure
The evidence weighed heavily against him.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, 'heavily' can also be about physical weight or pressure. Like if you pack a suitcase heavily, it's going to be really heavy to carry.
👶 For kids: Like carrying a heavy backpack.
More Examples
The athlete breathed heavily after the race.
The doors closed heavily, the sound echoing through the old house.
How It's Used
"The suitcase was packed heavily."
"His eyes were heavy with sleep"
Idioms & expressions
weigh heavily on someone
To cause someone to feel sad, worried, or burdened.
"The responsibility of caring for his family weighed heavily on his mind."
think heavily
To think deeply and seriously about a topic
"The board will think heavily about the future of the project."
From Old English *hefiglīce, from hefig (heavy) + -līce (suffix forming adverbs).
The adverb 'heavily' has been used in English since the Middle Ages, evolving from the Old English adjective 'hefig', denoting weight or burden.
Memory tip
Think of something heavy falling—it impacts heavily.