What does devastatingly mean?
"Devastatingly" is an adverb formed from the verb "devastate," and it carries two closely related uses. In its literal sense it describes something done in a way that causes severe destruction or overwhelming harm, as when a region is devastatingly affected by famine or conflict. More commonly today, it functions as an emphatic intensifier meaning "to an extreme or striking degree," especially before positive adjectives: someone may be described as devastatingly attractive, devastatingly intelligent, or devastatingly funny. This second sense is largely complimentary, suggesting an effect so powerful that it overwhelms the observer. The word belongs chiefly to written and journalistic English rather than casual conversation, giving statements a dramatic or polished flavor. Its flexibility — capable of describing both catastrophe and charisma — makes it a vivid choice for writers who want emphasis with a touch of elegance.
adverbIn a way that causes severe damage or destruction; or, in intensified figurative use, to an extremely impressive, attractive, or effective degree.
- In a manner that causes great damage, destruction, or shock.
- Used as an intensifier meaning to an overwhelming, striking, or highly impressive degree (often with positive adjectives such as handsome or beautiful).
"She gave a devastatingly honest account of her years in politics."
"The storm struck the coastline devastatingly hard, flattening entire villages."
"He was devastatingly charming at the party, and everyone noticed."
One of the few adverbs that works equally well describing a warzone and a compliment — you can be devastated by a hurricane or devastatingly good-looking.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of devastatingly
"Devastatingly" derives from the verb "devastate," which entered English in the early 17th century from Latin devastare, meaning to lay waste, itself from de- (indicating removal) and vastare (to lay waste), from vastus (empty or desolate). The adjective "devastating" followed, and the adverb was formed by adding the standard -ly suffix. It shares its root with "vast" and "waste," all tracing back to the same Latin source.
Related word forms
How devastatingly is actually used
The destructive sense is neutral in register, while the intensifying sense often carries admiring connotations and appears frequently in journalism and reviews. It typically modifies adjectives and adverbs rather than verbs.
Easily confused with devastatingly
Though both end in -itely, 'devastatingly' means overwhelmingly or destructively, while 'definitely' means certainly or without doubt.