What does admirably mean?
Admirably is an adverb used to describe an action done in a way that deserves praise or approval. When we say a person behaved admirably, we mean they acted with skill, courage, or integrity sufficient to win our respect. The word derives from the verb admire, which traces back through Old French to the Latin admirari, meaning 'to wonder at'. Beyond praising conduct, admirably also serves as a mild intensifier, indicating that something possesses a quality to a notable degree — as in 'an admirably concise summary' or 'admirably clear reasoning'. This second use appears frequently in reviews, criticism, and formal writing. The word suits both everyday speech and elevated prose, always carrying a positive connotation. Its close relatives include admirable (the adjective), admiringly (describing a look or tone), and admiration (the feeling itself), making it part of a productive word family centred on esteem and wonder.
adverbIn a manner deserving of admiration or approval; very well or commendably. It can also function as an intensifier meaning 'considerably' or 'to a notable degree', as in 'admirably clear'.
- In a way that deserves admiration or approval; commendably, very well.
- As an intensifier: considerably, notably (e.g. 'admirably concise').
"She handled the crisis admirably, keeping the whole team calm and focused."
"The volunteers coped admirably with the sudden influx of donations."
"The instructions were admirably clear, leaving no room for confusion."
Borrowed straight from Latin 'admirari' — 'to wonder at' — so when you say someone did something admirably, you're literally saying they made people marvel.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of admirably
Admirably comes from the adjective admirable plus the adverbial suffix -ly. Admirable entered English from Old French, ultimately deriving from the Latin admirabilis, from admirari ('to wonder at'), formed from ad- ('at, towards') and mirari ('to wonder'), itself related to mirus ('wonderful'). Cognates sharing this root include miracle, mirror, and marvel, all conveying wonder or astonishment. The adverb has been in English use since roughly the early modern period.
Related word forms
How admirably is actually used
Register is neutral-to-formal; the word carries a strongly positive connotation of praise for conduct, effort, or quality. The intensifying sense ('admirably brief') is common in reviews and criticism.
Easily confused with admirably
'Admirable' is an adjective describing something worthy of admiration, while 'admirably' is its adverb form describing how an action is performed.