What does wickedly mean?
Wickedly is an English adverb with two distinct uses. Its traditional meaning is “in an evil or morally corrupt manner,” as in a description of someone who acts wickedly. It can also serve as an informal intensifier meaning “very” or “extremely,” particularly in expressions such as “wickedly clever,” “wickedly funny,” and “wickedly good.” This second use is often enthusiastic or approving, though the exact connotation depends on context. The intensifier meaning is especially associated with British informal speech, while the moral sense is standard in both British and American English. Although wickedly may sound old-fashioned in serious moral contexts, it remains vivid in literary writing and everyday conversation. Its usefulness lies in this contrast: the same word can condemn wrongdoing or express strong admiration with equal force.
adverbIn an evil, immoral, or morally corrupt manner. Informally, it can also mean very or extremely, often as an enthusiastic intensifier.
- In an evil, immoral, or morally corrupt manner.
- Very or extremely, especially in informal speech.
"The crowd cheered when she delivered a wickedly funny performance."
"The tyrant ruled the province wickedly, exploiting anyone who challenged him."
"That solution was wickedly clever."
Wickedly has a double life: it can describe moral corruption or enthusiastically praise something as extremely good.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wickedly come from?
Wickedly is a regular English adverb formed from the adjective wicked and the suffix -ly. Wicked is attested from Middle English as wikked, continuing an Old English adjective of uncertain origin. The adverb’s development reflects the productive Middle English pattern in which adjectives ending in -ed take -ly to form adverbs.
Related word forms
How wickedly is actually used
The intensifier sense, as in “wickedly good” or “wickedly funny,” is especially associated with informal British English but is also understood in American English. The moral sense is fully standard and may be formal or literary.
Easily confused with wickedly
Wicked is an adjective describing something evil or, informally, something excellent, whereas wickedly is the adverb modifying a verb.