wickedly
/ˈwɪk.ɪd.li/ IELTSAcademic
adverb
In a very bad, cruel, or immoral way. It can describe actions, behavior, or intentions. In older or literary use, it can also mean very well or extremely.
- He was wickedly cruel to the weak.
- The plan was wickedly unfair.
- She played the piano wickedly well.
Adinary Nuance
Wickedly is close to cruelly, sinfully, and badly, but it is not the same as all of them. Use wickedly when you want to stress bad intent or a strongly negative way of doing something. In older or playful speech, it can also mean 'very' or 'extremely,' as in 'wickedly good.'
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- một cách độc ác
- Spanish
- cruelmente
- Chinese
- 邪恶地
- Japanese
- 悪意をもって
- Korean
- 악랄하게
Etymology
Wickedly comes from wicked, which came into English from Old English. The adverb form has long been used both for 'in a bad way' and, in older informal use, for 'very' or 'extremely'.
Common phrases
wickedly funnywickedly goodwickedly cruelwickedly sharp
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is wickedly formal or informal?
- It is neutral, but the 'very/extremely' meaning sounds informal or playful.
- Can wickedly mean 'very'?
- Yes, in older or playful usage, it can mean 'very' or 'extremely'.
- What is the difference between wickedly and cruelly?
- Cruelly focuses on causing suffering. Wickedly can be broader and also sound stronger or more literary.
- How do I use wickedly in a sentence?
- Use it before an adjective or adverb: 'wickedly funny' or 'wickedly cruel'.