greatly

Etymology

From Middle English gretly, gretely, gretliche, greteliche, equivalent to great +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈɡɹeɪtli/

• Audio (US)

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Adverb

greatly (comparative greatlier or greater or more greatly, superlative greatliest or greatest or most greatly)

1. (archaic) Nobly; magnanimously.
2. To a great extent or degree.
   • 1918, W. B. Maxwell, chapter 12, in The Mirror and the Lamp:

     There were many wooden chairs for the bulk of his visitors, and two wicker armchairs with red cloth cushions for superior people. From the packing-cases had emerged some Indian clubs, […], and all these articles […] made a scattered and untidy decoration that Mrs. Clough assiduously dusted and greatly cherished.

   • 2011 October 29, Phil McNulty, “Chelsea 3-5 Arsenal”, in BBC Sport:

     Terry's goal looked to have put Chelsea in control on the stroke of half-time but Arsenal's response presented a compelling case for Wenger's insistence that reports of his side's demise have been greatly exaggerated.

   Expenses greatly exceeded revenues.

   He was more greatly beloved than anyone in living memory.

Anagrams

• lytarge