furiously

furiously — adverb

1. in a way that shows very strong anger, especially when reacting to something or

1.adverbB2
Definition

in a way that shows very strong anger, especially when reacting to something or expressing disagreement

Example

Hyun slammed the phone down furiously after the call ended.

furiously + slam (angry physical action)

The passengers complained furiously when their flight was cancelled without notice.

Common collocations
  • shout furiously
  • slam furiously
  • shake one's head furiously
  • glare furiously
Synonyms
  • angrily

    the more common, neutral term for expressing anger

  • hotly

    suggests heated emotion, often in arguments or debates

  • vehemently

    more formal; suggests passionate, forceful expression of anger

Antonyms
  • calmly

    without anger or strong emotion

  • peacefully

    in a quiet, non-confrontational way

Grammar Patterns

verb + furiously

furiously + verb

Usage Note

Frequently paired with verbs of speaking (shout, yell), physical reaction (slam, shake, glare), or complaint (protest, argue). Expresses a stronger intensity than 'angrily'.

Common Mistakes

She was furiously when she heard the news.
She was furious when she heard the news.
'Furiously' is an adverb; use the adjective 'furious' after linking verbs like 'be'.

2. using all your energy, speed, or strength to do something as quickly or complete

2.adverbB2
Definition

using all your energy, speed, or strength to do something as quickly or completely as possible

Example

Rafael typed furiously to finish the report before the deadline.

furiously + type (hurried mental effort)

The firefighters worked furiously to stop the blaze from spreading to nearby homes.

furiously + work to-infinitive (urgent team effort)

Common collocations
  • work furiously
  • type furiously
  • pedal furiously
  • scrub furiously
Synonyms
  • energetically

    neutral term for putting in effort; less intense than 'furiously'

  • vigorously

    suggests strength and healthy effort

  • frantically

    adds a sense of panic or desperation

  • intensely

    focuses on concentration rather than speed

Antonyms
  • lazily

    without effort or energy

  • slowly

    at a low speed; opposite of the urgency in 'furiously'

Grammar Patterns

verb + furiously

furiously + verb

Usage Note

Common with verbs of physical effort (scrub, pedal, dig, row), mental work (type, search, calculate), and urgent team actions (work, fight, race). Often implies urgency or great determination, not just speed.

Common Mistakes

She scrubbed the pan more furiously than yesterday.
She scrubbed the pan harder than yesterday.
'Furiously' already implies extreme effort; 'more furiously' can sound unnatural. Use 'harder' or 'with more energy' instead.

Word family

  • fury
    nounB2
  • furious
    adjectiveB2
  • infuriate
    verbC1
  • infuriating
    adjectiveC1
  • infuriatingly
    adverbC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All four describe expressing anger, but they differ in intensity and context. 'Angrily' is the most neutral and versatile — you can use it for any kind of annoyance or rage. 'Furiously' is stronger and often implies a visible, explosive display of anger (slamming objects, shouting). 'Hotly' suggests an argument or debate charged with emotion, as in 'The two sides hotly debated the new law.' 'Vehemently' is the most formal; it describes passionate, forceful verbal expression, often in writing or speeches. For everyday anger, use 'angrily'. For a dramatic, physical reaction, use 'furiously'. For formal or written disagreement, 'vehemently' works best.

furiously ↗angrily ↗hotly ↗vehemently

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • furiously angry
  • furiously fast

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Comes from the adjective 'furious', which entered English in the 1300s via Old French 'furieus', from Latin 'furiosus' meaning 'full of madness or rage'. The Latin root 'furia' means 'fury, rage, madness'. The adverb form 'furiously' appeared in Middle English, originally meaning 'in a mad or frenzied manner' before narrowing to both 'angry' and 'energetic' senses.