What does wildly mean?
Wildly is an English adverb that commonly means “to a very great extent” or “extremely,” especially in expressions such as “wildly popular” or “wildly successful.” It can also describe behavior that is uncontrolled, frantic, or enthusiastic: a speaker may wave “wildly,” while an audience responds “wildly enthusiastic.” The word therefore carries both intensity and a suggestion of unrestrained energy. It is standard in everyday English in both British and American usage, though it can sound emphatic or occasionally hyperbolic in formal writing. “Wildly exaggerated,” for example, usually means wildly overstated—not that the exaggeration itself is untamed. Because the adverb can modify either an action or an assessment, its meaning depends on the noun it accompanies. It is a useful word for conveying extraordinary scale, energy, or emotional force, whether the context is a news report, a review, or an informal conversation.
adverbWildly means to a very great extent or with great intensity, often describing something extremely popular, successful, different, or enthusiastic. It can also describe behavior that is uncontrolled, frantic, or unrestrained.
- To a very great extent; extremely.
- In an uncontrolled, frantic, or unrestrained manner.
- With great enthusiasm, excitement, or emotional force.
"The small restaurant became wildly popular after its owners began sharing photographs of their dishes online."
"The survey found that support for the proposal had grown wildly in only a few months."
"Children ran wildly across the field as soon as the game began."
Wildly has a double life: it can describe something utterly untamed or something astonishingly popular.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wildly come from?
Wildly is an English adverb formed from the adjective wild and the suffix -ly. Wild descends from Old English wilde, an inherited Germanic word referring to an untamed or uncultivated animal, and has close relatives in modern German and Dutch. The development of -ly into an adverb-forming suffix reflects the long-established English pattern of deriving adverbs from adjectives.
How wildly is actually used
The intensifier use is standard in everyday British and American English but can sound emphatic, informal, or hyperbolic in formal contexts. When it describes an assessment rather than an action, it normally means 'extremely' rather than 'in an untamed way.'
Easily confused with wildly
Wildly is an adverb meaning intensely or uncontrollably, whereas wily is an adjective meaning crafty and cunning.
Wildly means intensely or in an unrestrained way, whereas wieldy is an adjective meaning manageable or easy to handle.