What does highly mean?
Highly is an adverb meaning to a great degree or extent. It strengthens an adjective, verb, or statement by indicating that the quality or degree involved is considerable: a person may be highly skilled, a competition may be highly competitive, or an event may be highly likely. The word is common in formal writing, journalism, academic contexts, and professional communication, where it conveys emphasis without necessarily sounding exaggerated. It can suggest not merely a large amount of something, but an unusually strong or notable level of that quality. Although “highly” often appears with adjectives, it is not limited to them and can modify verbs or entire clauses, as in “She was highly praised for her work.” Its meaning is straightforward, and its principal function is to add emphasis and degree.
adverbTo a great degree or extent; very much. It is commonly used to emphasize a quality, level, probability, or degree of importance.
- To a great degree or extent; very much.
- At a high level of quality, importance, or distinction.
- With a high probability or likelihood.
"The proposal was highly regarded by members of the committee."
"The region is highly sensitive to changes in the weather."
"The research was highly influential in the development of the field."
Add “highly” to many ordinary adjectives and the idea becomes emphatic: a difficult task becomes highly demanding, and a small difference becomes highly significant.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does highly come from?
The adverb “highly” is formed from the adjective “high” with the adverbial suffix “-ly.” The adjective “high” comes from Old English hēah, while the suffix was historically associated with forms such as Old English līce, meaning “in the manner of.” The combination developed into its modern form during the Middle English period. Related words sharing the same root include “height” and “highway,” although the precise historical development of each varies.
How highly is actually used
Generally formal or neutral in style. It is often used with adjectives such as “regarded,” “competitive,” “skilled,” “likely,” and “relevant,” but can also occur with other parts of speech in formal writing.