What does smashingly mean?
“Smashingly” is an informal adverb meaning very impressively, strikingly, or successfully. It is closely related to the adjective “smashing,” which can mean excellent or highly appealing, but “smashingly” describes the manner or degree of an action or quality: a performance may be smashingly effective, a proposal may be smashingly original, or an actor may appear smashingly confident. The word has an enthusiastic, celebratory tone and is especially familiar in British English, although it is understood in American English as well. It is often used in contexts involving achievement, performance, appearance, or success. Because it carries a degree of theatrical emphasis, it is less appropriate in formal reports or restrained writing. Its expressive quality makes it useful for conveying admiration, though careful writers may prefer more neutral alternatives such as “highly,” “remarkably,” or “exceptionally.”
adverbVery impressively or in a particularly striking manner. It can also mean enthusiastically or with great force.
- Very impressively, strikingly, or successfully.
- With great enthusiasm or force.
"She gave a smashingly effective presentation to the entire conference."
"The young actor delivered a smashingly assured performance in his first leading role."
"The team responded smashingly to the challenge and secured a decisive victory."
A smashingly good idea turns an ordinary verb into a vivid, enthusiastic description.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does smashingly come from?
“Smashingly” is formed from the adjective “smashing” with the adverbial suffix “-ly.” “Smashing” developed from the verb “smash,” using the suffix “-ing” in its older adjectival sense of “striking or impressive,” while the verb itself refers to breaking something forcefully. The word is associated with British informal usage for something exceptionally appealing or successful.
How smashingly is actually used
Informal and enthusiastic. It is especially common in British English and is often used for praise, though it can sound theatrical or exaggerated.
Easily confused with smashingly
“Smashing” is an adjective meaning excellent or highly appealing, whereas “smashingly” is an adverb describing how striking, impressive, or successful something is.