1
: to a great extent or degree : very much
contributed greatly to improved relations
not greatly bothered
2
: in a great manner : nobly, magnanimously
a man may live greatly in the law—
O. W. Holmes †1935
O. W. Holmes †1935
Synonyms
Examples of greatly in a Sentence
She has contributed greatly to our success.
They don't seem to be greatly bothered by the delay.
Recent Examples on the Web
The change greatly limited condo tower construction throughout California in the years following.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2024
Professional cat training for films has greatly evolved in recent years, says cat trainer Vaughan (not to be confused with Argylle director Vaughn).
—James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2024
For athletes whose sports require major flexibility—such as dancing, gymnastics, and ice skating—regular stretching over months and years can elongate muscles and greatly increase range of motion.
—Emma Yasinski, TIME, 11 Apr. 2024
The vast majority of people (96.7%) filed electronically — which the IRS prefers and which greatly speeds processing.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 11 Apr. 2024
The attrition should result in a greatly enhanced role next season for guard Jaden Bradley.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2024
Parents who had children join the UBU Club, however, said during public comment Tuesday that their students benefited from it greatly, and urged the district to allow the club to continue meeting.
—Jenavieve Hatch, Sacramento Bee, 3 Apr. 2024
While this supplement greatly benefits senior dogs who need cognitive support, Brain Health supports the brain health of all dogs, no matter their age.
—Edward Munch, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Incorporating lessons learned in Boston could eventually greatly benefit the Hornets.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2024
Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2024
Professional cat training for films has greatly evolved in recent years, says cat trainer Vaughan (not to be confused with Argylle director Vaughn).
—James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2024
For athletes whose sports require major flexibility—such as dancing, gymnastics, and ice skating—regular stretching over months and years can elongate muscles and greatly increase range of motion.
—Emma Yasinski, TIME, 11 Apr. 2024
The vast majority of people (96.7%) filed electronically — which the IRS prefers and which greatly speeds processing.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 11 Apr. 2024
The attrition should result in a greatly enhanced role next season for guard Jaden Bradley.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2024
Parents who had children join the UBU Club, however, said during public comment Tuesday that their students benefited from it greatly, and urged the district to allow the club to continue meeting.
—Jenavieve Hatch, Sacramento Bee, 3 Apr. 2024
While this supplement greatly benefits senior dogs who need cognitive support, Brain Health supports the brain health of all dogs, no matter their age.
—Edward Munch, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Incorporating lessons learned in Boston could eventually greatly benefit the Hornets.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'greatly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of greatly was
in the 13th century
Dictionary Entries Near greatly
Cite this Entry
“Greatly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greatly. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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More from Merriam-Webster on greatly
Nglish: Translation of greatly for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of greatly for Arabic Speakers
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