adverb · B1

Greatly

GRAYTL-ee/ˈɡreɪtli/

Greatly means very much (slightly formal): greatly improved; greatly reduced; vary greatly. Significantly is a close academic twin (already in B2). A lot is everyday. Do not use greatly with a verb that already has a tiny meaning (greatly unique). Reports like greatly reduced waiting times.

Meaning

Very much (slightly formal).

Examples

“Turnout was greatly improved after postal votes were counted.”
“Opinions vary greatly between urban and rural wards.”

Good to know

greatly + past participle / verb; greatly improved / reduced. Academic twin: significantly. Everyday: a lot. Formal report tone.

Near in meaning

significantly

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