What does voluminously mean?
Voluminously is an adverb meaning in a voluminous way, especially at great length, in extensive detail, or with a large physical bulk. It most often describes writing, speech, or a work that expands its subject at length: a scholar may speak voluminously, or a book may be voluminously illustrated. The word is formal and somewhat literary, occasionally carrying the implication of excess, although it can also be approving when abundance is desirable. Its usefulness lies in conveying not merely quantity but scale: a discussion can be long without being substantial, while a voluminously illustrated guide combines breadth with rich supporting material. In modern English, the adverb is less common than the adjective voluminous, but it remains idiomatic in formal prose and descriptions of conspicuously large books or reports. It is understood in both British and American English, with no important regional distinction.
adverbAt great length or in a large amount or bulk; in an extensive or voluminous manner.
- At great length, in extensive detail, or in a conspicuously large amount.
"She spoke voluminously, weaving personal anecdotes into a carefully researched account of the period."
"The professor's objections to the proposal were voluminously expressed over several meetings."
"The historical atlas is voluminously illustrated with maps, portraits, and archival photographs."
Turn up the volume: voluminously means at great length, and its Latin root refers to a roll, scroll, or physical bulk.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does voluminously come from?
Voluminously was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to voluminous. The adjective entered English from French volumineux, ultimately derived from Latin voluminosus, a form of volumen meaning a roll or scroll and, by extension, bulk or volume. Related English words such as volume, volumetric, and volumetry preserve this inheritance, while French volumineux and Spanish voluminoso are Romance cognates.
How voluminously is actually used
Formal and somewhat literary. It commonly describes writing, speech, books, or reports and can suggest either impressive thoroughness or excessive length, depending on context.