What does warmly mean?
Warmly is an adverb describing an action performed with friendliness, affection, hospitality, approval, or enthusiasm. It commonly characterizes greetings, welcomes, recommendations, acknowledgements, and expressions of appreciation. A host may welcome guests warmly, a proposal may be warmly received, and a speaker may speak warmly about a colleague or institution. The word suggests both emotional warmth and positive regard, often more personal than merely courteous. Its use can also convey enthusiasm: a cause may be warmly supported or warmly welcomed. Although its literal association is with heat, modern usage is primarily figurative, describing the manner in which people interact or the positive response to an idea. Warmly is especially useful where a simple adverb such as kindly would be too weak but a more formal alternative would lack the sense of personal warmth.
adverbIn a friendly, affectionate, hospitable, or approving manner; with enthusiasm or pleasure.
- In a friendly, affectionate, or approving way.
- With enthusiasm, pleasure, or strong positive feeling.
"She welcomed her old friend warmly and insisted that he stay for dinner."
"The proposal was warmly received by the committee."
"She spoke warmly about the people who had helped her career."
A warm welcome can convey approval and hospitality with a single word: we can say someone is “received warmly.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does warmly come from?
Warmly was formed in Middle English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to warm. The adjective warm descends from Old English werm, which continued the Germanic form represented by Proto-Germanic *warmaz; the precise origin of that Germanic root is uncertain. Warm also has close relatives in languages including Dutch, German, and Old Norse, showing that its inherited Germanic ancestry is well established.
How warmly is actually used
Warmly is standard in everyday English and is often more personal and affectionate than cordially, which can sound formal or institutional. It is also used figuratively to express strong approval or enthusiasm.