What does unusually mean?
Unusually is an adverb meaning more than usual or to an extent that differs from what is typical. It is used to emphasize an unusual degree, frequency, quality, or manner: an unusually warm winter, an unusually large audience, or a result that was unusually consistent. The word commonly appears before adjectives and participles, although it can also modify other adverbs or stand before a noun in constructions such as unusually high prices. Its connotation depends on what it describes: unusually bright may be complimentary, while unusually slow or aggressive may be negative. Unusually is flexible and neutral in register, making it useful in formal writing, journalism, academic discussion, and everyday speech. It should not be confused with not usually, which means infrequently; unusually means to an unusual or greater-than-expected degree.
adverbIn a way that is more than usual, or to an extent that differs from what is typical.
- To a greater extent than usual or in a way that differs from the typical.
"The garden produced an unusually abundant crop this year."
"The results were unusually consistent across every group tested."
"He was unusually quiet during the meeting."
Unusually does not mean “not usually”; it means “more than usual” or “to an unusual degree.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unusually come from?
Unusually was formed by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to the adjective unusual. Unusual combines the prefix un- with usual, and usual comes from Latin usualis, meaning “in accordance with use or custom,” derived from usus, “use” or “custom.” Related English forms include use, usage, and customary.
How unusually is actually used
Generally neutral in register, unusually often highlights a departure from what is expected. It can modify adjectives and adverbs, as in unusually high or unusually carefully, and does not necessarily imply that something is rare or desirable.
Easily confused with unusually
Unusual is an adjective describing something as different from what is typical, whereas unusually is an adverb describing the degree or manner of something.