What does virulently mean?
Virulently is an adverb meaning in a manner marked by virulence, or dangerous and intensely harmful quality. Its literal use can describe a poisonous substance, disease, or other harmful agent, although figurative usage is more common in modern English. People say that someone acted virulently when opposing a proposal, criticizing a person, or attacking an idea with fierce hostility and determination. The adverb can suggest that the hostility is especially bitter, aggressive, or persistent rather than merely ordinary disagreement. It appears in both British and American English and is generally formal in register. Because virulently carries a strongly negative emotional force, it is best reserved for situations involving severe harm, hostility, or opposition. Its form clearly identifies it as the adverb of virulent, while virulence is the related noun. Together, these forms distinguish a quality of dangerous malignancy from the manner in which that quality is expressed.
adverbIn a manner characterized by virulence; in a poisonous or intensely harmful way. It is also used figuratively to describe fierce hostility, hostility, or opposition.
- In a poisonous or intensely harmful manner.
- With fierce hostility, bitterness, or opposition.
"The campaign was virulently opposed by critics of the proposed policy."
"The infection spread virulently through the population."
"She was virulently opposed to the proposal and launched a sustained campaign against it."
From the Latin word for poison or slime, virulently came to describe harm that is fierce, malignant, and difficult to ignore.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of virulently
Virulently derives from the adjective virulent, which comes from Latin virulentus, meaning poisonous or malignant. That adjective was formed from virus, a Latin word referring to poison, slime, or a harmful liquid. The modern family retains this association with harmful or contagious force, while figurative uses developed the sense of fierce hostility.
Related word forms
How virulently is actually used
Virulently is formal and strongly marked. Although it can refer literally to poison or disease, it is especially common in figurative descriptions of hostility, opposition, or criticism that is intense and aggressive.
Easily confused with virulently
Virulent is an adjective describing something poisonous or dangerously harmful, while virulently is the adverb describing an action performed in that manner.