Is madly formal or informal?

It is usually informal or literary. It sounds natural in emotional speech and writing.

Can I say madly in love?

Yes. This is a very common and natural phrase in English.

Is madly the same as very?

Not exactly. Madly is stronger and more emotional than very.

What is the difference between madly and wildly?

Madly often shows strong feeling. Wildly often shows uncontrolled movement or action.

← Dictionary

madly

/ˈmæd.li/

IELTSAcademic

adverb

In a way that is very strong or extreme. It often describes feelings, actions, or speech.

She was madly in love with him.
We searched madly for the keys.
He waved madly from the window.

Adinary Nuance

Madly is stronger and less formal than very. In expressions like madly in love, it sounds natural and common. It is not usually used in careful academic writing unless you want a strong, emotional tone. Writers choose it when they want intensity, not calm emphasis.

In other languages

Vietnamese: điên cuồng
Spanish: locamente
Chinese: 疯狂地
Japanese: 狂おしく
Korean: 미친 듯이

Etymology

Madly comes from the adjective mad, with the adverb ending -ly. It has been used in English since the Middle English period.

Common phrases

madly in lovemadly searchingmadly enthusiasticmadly devoted

Synonyms

wildly fiercely desperately deeply

Related words

crazy intensely passionately extremely

Frequently asked questions

Is madly formal or informal?: It is usually informal or literary. It sounds natural in emotional speech and writing.
Can I say madly in love?: Yes. This is a very common and natural phrase in English.
Is madly the same as very?: Not exactly. Madly is stronger and more emotional than very.
What is the difference between madly and wildly?: Madly often shows strong feeling. Wildly often shows uncontrolled movement or action.