highly
/ˈhaɪ.li/ IELTSAcademic
adverb
Very much or to a great degree. It often strengthens adjectives like 'important', 'successful', or 'recommended'.
- She is highly skilled at coding.
- This book is highly recommended.
Adinary Nuance
Use highly to mean 'very' with adjectives, especially in formal or written English. It sounds more polished than 'very' in phrases like 'highly recommended' or 'highly effective'. Do not use it with every adjective; it sounds unnatural with words like 'highly happy'.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- rất
- Spanish
- muy
- Chinese
- 非常
- Japanese
- 非常に
- Korean
- 매우
Etymology
Middle English highly, from high + -ly. It developed as an adverb meaning 'to a great degree'.
Common phrases
highly recommendedhighly unlikelyhighly effectivehighly skilled
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'highly' formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal. You often see it in writing, reports, and recommendations.
- Can I say 'highly happy'?
- Usually no. Say 'very happy' or 'extremely happy' instead.
- What is the difference between 'highly' and 'very'?
- 'Highly' is more common with formal adjectives. 'Very' works with more everyday words.