What does markedly mean?
Markedly is an adverb meaning in a clearly noticeable or significant way. It is especially useful when comparing people, things, results, or situations that differ substantially. For example, a treatment may be “markedly more effective,” or a population may show a “markedly lower risk.” The word is neutral in tone and appears frequently in formal writing, research, journalism, and analytical discussion, although it is also natural in everyday speech. Compared with “noticeably,” it often places somewhat greater emphasis on the scale of the difference. Markedly can modify an adjective, an adverb, or a comparison, and it is frequently paired with words such as “different,” “improved,” “higher,” and “reduced.” It is related to the adjective “marked,” meaning noticeable or conspicuous, and combines that idea with the suffix “-ly,” which gives it an adverbial function.
adverbIn a clearly noticeable or significant way. It emphasizes a substantial difference or change.
- Clearly and noticeably; to a significant degree.
"The new treatment reduced recovery time markedly."
"Her approach differed markedly from that of her predecessors."
"The medication had a markedly greater effect in younger patients."
Markedly is a spotlight in adverb form: it tells you that a difference is hard to miss.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does markedly come from?
Markedly was formed in the early 19th century by adding the suffix “-ly” to the adjective “marked,” meaning noticeable or conspicuous. “Marked” derives from the older English word “mark,” a sign or visible trace, which comes from an Old English term for a boundary or marker and ultimately from Proto-Germanic *markō. The same Germanic root is reflected in cognates such as German Mark and Dutch merk.
How markedly is actually used
Neutral in register and especially common in formal and analytical writing. It is often used before adjectives such as “different,” “higher,” or “superior,” and in comparative constructions such as “markedly more effective.” Its emphasis is stronger than that of “somewhat” and comparable to “significantly” or “notably.”