What does mightily mean?
Mightily is an adverb meaning with great force or strength, and, in some contexts, to a very great degree. A person mightily resists an attack, works against an obstacle, or objects to a proposal; in the second broad sense, someone mightily enjoys a performance or feels mightily relieved by news. The word often carries a formal, literary, or slightly old-fashioned tone, so vigorously and greatly may sound more natural in everyday speech. It derives from the adjective mighty and ultimately from the Old English word for power or strength. Though less common than its shorter alternatives, mightily is useful when an action is being portrayed as vigorous, emphatic, or heroic. The related word mighty means powerful or great, but mightily specifically modifies a verb, adjective, or other expression by describing how strongly or to what degree something happens.
adverbWith great force, strength, or energy; vigorously. It can also mean greatly or very much, especially in literary or emphatic contexts.
- With great force, strength, or energy.
- To a great degree; greatly or very much.
"The ancient oak mightily resisted the storm, its roots holding firm in the earth."
"The tree mightily resisted the battering wind."
"She mightily appreciated the quiet after the storm."
Mightily is the literary equivalent of 'with great force'—and can make an ordinary verb sound suitably heroic.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mightily come from?
Mightily was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to mighty. Mighty itself derives from might, which comes from Old English miht, meaning power, strength, or ability. The same powerful root also appears in the related word almighty, while the forcefulness associated with the word has contributed to its literary character.
How mightily is actually used
Mightily is more literary and old-fashioned than modern alternatives such as vigorously, greatly, or very much. It is especially noticeable in formal or elevated prose.
Easily confused with mightily
Mightily is an adverb describing the manner or degree of an action, whereas mighty is usually an adjective meaning powerful or great.