greatly

Greatly is an adverb that denotes a large extent or degree. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to emphasize intensity or significance, and it is commonly used in formal or written English to convey substantial change or impact.

Etymology and form: Greatly is formed from the adjective great plus the suffix -ly, which converts it into an adverb. The construction has roots in Old and Middle English and remains in regular use in Modern English for emphasis in a variety of contexts.

Usage and nuance: Greatly is typically used with actions or states (greatly affect, greatly improve, greatly influence). It can also modify adjectives and participles (greatly pleased, greatly increased). In contemporary conversation, more common or less formal alternatives such as very, much, or a lot may be preferred, making greatly more characteristic of formal, academic, or literary prose. It is generally not paired with extreme or redundant intensifiers in everyday speech.

Synonyms and contrasts: Common substitutes include hugely, vastly, dramatically, significantly, and considerably. While all convey increased magnitude, greatly tends to carry a precise sense of meaningful impact rather than sheer scale, and it often signals deliberate, measured emphasis in formal writing.

Examples: The policy change greatly affected economic outcomes. The team greatly improved its performance after the coaching changes. I greatly appreciate your help with this project.

See also: Intensity modifiers, Adverbs of degree, English adverbs.