What does remarkably mean?
Remarkably is an adverb used to emphasize that something is unusually striking, notable, or surprising. It often describes a quality or degree: a person may have a remarkably good memory, or two objects may be remarkably similar. It can also introduce a result that conflicts with expectations, as in a report that says, remarkably, the experiment failed. The word is common in formal and professional writing but equally natural in ordinary conversation. Its force comes from combining the idea of being worthy of notice with the suggestion that the degree or outcome is exceptional. It is often interchangeable with notably, especially, and particularly, while strikingly and surprisingly emphasize unusualness more directly. Remarkably is especially useful when the speaker wants to draw attention to an impressive, unexpected, or otherwise notable feature without making a strong formal argument about it.
adverbUsed to emphasize that something is strikingly or unusually noticeable, often contrary to expectation. It can also mean notably, especially, or to an unusual degree.
- In a way that is strikingly or unusually noticeable.
- To a notable or especially great degree.
- In a way that is surprising or contrary to expectation.
"The two languages are remarkably similar despite being spoken thousands of miles apart."
"She has a remarkably clear understanding of the subject."
"Remarkably, the experiment produced the opposite result from what the researchers expected."
Remarkably turns an ordinary observation into a claim worth double-checking.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of remarkably
Remarkably is formed from the adjective remarkable by the addition of the adverb-forming suffix -ly. Remarkable was developed from remark with the suffix -able, originally conveying the idea of something worthy of notice or comment. Remark itself entered English from French remarque in the early 17th century, ultimately associated with marking, or calling attention to, something. Related forms include unremarkable, which means not unusual or noteworthy.
How remarkably is actually used
Remarkably is a neutral-to-formal intensifier. It commonly introduces a surprising observation, but it can also emphasize that something is notable or exceptional without implying that the result is unexpected.