What does splendidly mean?
Splendidly is an adverb meaning “in a splendid or exceptionally impressive manner.” It is commonly used to describe something performed, arranged, or completed with great skill, beauty, or success. For example, a singer may sing splendidly, a team may play splendidly, or a venue may be splendidly decorated. The word has a strongly positive, complimentary tone and conveys more than ordinary adequacy: it suggests a result that is notably fine, striking, or admirable. Although it is somewhat more literary than everyday alternatives such as “very well,” it remains natural in formal writing, reviews, speeches, and appreciative conversation. Its close relationship to “splendid” is reflected in its Latin origin, associated with the idea of shining or dazzling. The word is especially useful when praise should sound emphatic and polished rather than casual or understated.
adverbIn a way that is exceptionally beautiful, impressive, or magnificent. It can also describe something done with great success or excellence.
- In an exceptionally beautiful, impressive, or magnificent way.
- Very well, successfully, or impressively.
"The orchestra played the final movement splendidly, bringing the concert to a triumphant close."
"The painting was splendidly restored, recovering colors that had been hidden for centuries."
"The team handled the difficult schedule splendidly and reached the final without a major setback."
From the Latin root meaning “to shine,” splendidly carries the idea of something so impressive that it literally dazzles the audience.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does splendidly come from?
The word comes through Old French from Latin splendere, meaning “to shine,” and ultimately from the Latin root splendere or splendor, “brightness” or “splendor.” Its modern sense of being exceptionally impressive developed from the idea of something that dazzles the eye or commands admiration. Related English forms include splendid, splendor, and resplendent, all reflecting the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How splendidly is actually used
Splendidly is formal to mildly literary in many contexts, although it is also used conversationally for strong praise. It can describe either visual beauty or exceptional quality and success.
Easily confused with splendidly
Splendidly is the adverb describing how something is done, while splendid is the adjective describing something or someone as impressive or beautiful.