wildly
/ˈwaɪld.li/ IELTSAcademic
adverb
- 1.
In a very strong, extreme, or uncontrolled way. It often describes feelings, actions, or changes that are bigger than usual.
- She was wildly happy about the news.
- Prices have risen wildly this year.
- 2.
Very much, or to a large degree. It can also mean something is far from accurate, normal, or likely.
- The movie was wildly popular.
- His guess was wildly wrong.
- 3.
In a rough, careless, or uncontrolled way, especially with movement or behaviour.
- He waved his arms wildly.
- The child ran wildly through the room.
Adinary Nuance
Wildly is stronger than simply, very, or extremely. It suggests excess, emotion, or a lack of control, so it often feels more vivid than highly or greatly. Writers choose wildly when they want to show something is intense, dramatic, or far off the mark.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- rất
- Spanish
- muy
- Chinese
- 非常
- Japanese
- 非常に
- Korean
- 매우
Etymology
Wildly comes from Old English wilde, meaning 'wild' or 'untamed', plus the adverb ending -ly. It has been used in English since the Middle English period.
Common phrases
wildly popularwildly successfulwildly inaccuratewildly different
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is wildly formal or informal?
- It is neutral, but it often appears in writing, news, and formal speech.
- What is the difference between wildly and very?
- Wildly is stronger and more dramatic. It often suggests emotion, excess, or a big gap from normal.
- Can I use wildly with negative meanings?
- Yes. It often appears in phrases like wildly wrong, wildly inaccurate, or wildly unfair.
- How do I use wildly in a sentence?
- Put it before an adjective, adverb, or past participle: wildly successful, wildly excited, wildly misunderstood.