greatly

greatly — adverb

1. to a large extent, used especially when talking about the strength of a feeling

1.adverbB1
Definition

to a large extent, used especially when talking about the strength of a feeling or the size of an effect or change

Example

Lara was greatly moved by the children's handmade thank-you card.

greatly + past participle (moved)

The new train line has greatly reduced travel time between the two cities.

greatly + past participle (reduced)

Common collocations
  • greatly improved
  • greatly reduced
  • greatly appreciated
  • greatly increased
  • greatly benefited
  • greatly affected
  • greatly differs
  • greatly varies
Synonyms
  • very much

    neutral and more common in everyday speech

  • enormously

    emphasises scale or degree, equally formal

  • immensely

    suggests a vast degree, common in both writing and speech

  • tremendously

    informal and emphatic, suggests intensity

Antonyms
  • slightly

    opposite in degree; a small extent

  • barely

    opposite in extent; almost not at all

Grammar Patterns

greatly + past participle

greatly + verb

Usage Note

Common in formal and written English. In casual conversation, speakers often prefer 'a lot' or 'very much' instead.

Common Mistakes

I greatly like chocolate.
I really like chocolate.
'greatly' sounds unnatural with simple positive feelings; it works best with emotion verbs like 'appreciate', 'admire', 'worry' or change verbs like 'improve', 'reduce'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All four words express a high degree, but they differ in register and collocation. 'Very much' is the most neutral and versatile — it fits almost any context, from casual conversation to formal writing. 'Greatly' is more formal and typically pairs with emotion verbs (appreciate, admire) or change verbs (improve, reduce). 'Enormously' emphasises scale and is common in academic or business writing ('costs have increased enormously'). 'Immensely' suggests a vast degree and is often used with positive emotions ('I enjoyed it immensely'). 'Tremendously' is the most emphatic and slightly informal, carrying a sense of excitement or intensity ('The team has improved tremendously'). For everyday use, stick with 'very much'; for formal writing, 'greatly' is a safe choice.

very muchenormously ↗immenselytremendously

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

From Old English 'grēatlīce', meaning 'in a grand or noble manner', formed from 'grēat' (great) and the adverbial suffix '-līce'. The modern meaning 'very much' developed in Middle English, and the sense became broader and less literal over time.