What does stupendously mean?
Stupendously is an emphatic English adverb meaning “to an astonishing degree,” and it often implies that the degree is impressive enough to cause surprise. A performance may be “stupendously successful,” while a meal may be “stupendously good.” In these uses, the word is more forceful and expressive than “very,” carrying a sense of admiration, amazement, or scale. It can also appear before a negative term, as in “stupendously expensive,” where it intensifies the statement without changing the underlying meaning of “expensive.” The word is most natural in writing, formal speech, and emphatic informal conversation; in highly restrained registers it may sound theatrical or hyperbolic. Because it combines a precise idea of astonishing magnitude with the flexibility of an ordinary intensifier, it gives compact emphasis to praise, criticism, or description.
adverbTo an astonishing or remarkable degree; extremely or very well.
- To an astonishing or remarkable degree; extremely or very well.
"Her invention was stupendously successful and transformed the industry."
"The fundraiser was stupendously successful, raising more than twice its target."
"The meal was stupendously good, earning praise from every member of the party."
One word can convey both astonishing scale and emphatic approval: something can be stupendously large, and it can also be stupendously good.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stupendously come from?
Stupendously was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to stupendous. Stupendous entered English in the early 17th century from Latin stupendus, meaning “to be wondered at” or “amazing,” a gerundive adjective derived from stupere, “to be astounded.” Related English words include stupefy, stupefaction, and stupor.
How stupendously is actually used
This is a formal but expressive intensifier. It is especially common in persuasive or literary writing and can sound hyperbolic in restrained contexts. It can intensify positive or negative descriptions.
Easily confused with stupendously
Stupendous is normally an adjective meaning “extremely impressive,” whereas stupendously is the adverb used to modify a verb.