awfully

adverb

aw·​ful·​ly ˈȯ-fə-lē 

 especially as an adverb of adjective sense 2  -flē

1

: exceedingly, extremely, very

—used as an intensive

an awfully long time

That's awfully nice of you.

Her name seems awfully familiar.

Technically, it's not bribery, but it's awfully close.

—Elizabeth Drew

"I suppose you think me awfully foolish about it?"

—Oscar Wilde

2

a

dated : in a way that inspires awe

… the drawing room in which New York's most chosen company was somewhat awfully assembled.

—Edith Wharton

b

archaic : with a feeling of awe

And timorous passed, and awfully withdrew.

—Alexander Pope, translation The Odyssey of Homer

3

: in an unpleasant, disagreeable, or objectionable way

We were treated awfully.

The team played awfully.

… he of the red nightcap now commenced snoring awfully …

—George Borrow

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for awfully

• sawfly

Kids Definition

awfully

adverb

aw·​ful·​ly

 usually  ˈȯ-fə-lē,

 in sense 1,  ˈȯ-flē,

 in sense 2 

1

: in a disagreeable or unpleasant manner

2

: very entry 2 sense 1

awfully nice of you