warmly

warmly — adverb

1. Worn, wrapped, or positioned so that a comfortable level of heat is maintained,

1.adverbB1
Definition

Worn, wrapped, or positioned so that a comfortable level of heat is maintained, especially against cold weather.

Example

Children were warmly dressed in thick coats and woolly hats before heading out to play.

collocation: warmly dressed + specific clothing items

Amira wrapped the newborn warmly in a soft cotton blanket after the evening bath.

Common collocations
  • warmly dressed
  • warmly wrapped
  • warmly covered
  • warmly heated
  • warmly lit
Synonyms
  • snugly

    Emphasizes a close, comfortable fit rather than temperature

  • cozily

    Focuses on a pleasant, comfortable atmosphere rather than heat

Antonyms
  • thinly

    Describes having too few layers to stay warm

Grammar Patterns

warmly + past participle (describing clothing or covering)

Usage Note

Commonly modifies verbs related to dressing, wrapping, or providing heat. Typical collocations include 'warmly dressed', 'warmly wrapped', and 'warmly heated'.

Common Mistakes

She dressed warm for the winter trip.
She dressed warmly for the winter trip.
When describing how someone puts on clothes, use the adverb 'warmly' rather than the adjective 'warm'.

2. With genuine friendliness, strong approval, or heartfelt affection in your behav

2.adverbB1
Definition

With genuine friendliness, strong approval, or heartfelt affection in your behavior, tone, or expressions toward someone.

Example

The audience warmly applauded the young pianist after her stunning performance.

Christopher's colleagues warmly welcomed him back after his long hospital stay.

collocation: warmly welcomed back

Common collocations
  • warmly welcomed
  • warmly received
  • warmly greeted
  • warmly applauded
  • warmly thanked
  • warmly embraced
  • warmly recommended
Synonyms
  • cordially

    More formal and polite, often used in written invitations

  • heartily

    Emphasizes energetic enthusiasm and sincerity

  • enthusiastically

    Focuses on eagerness and excited approval

  • affectionately

    Emphasizes personal love or fondness between close people

Antonyms
  • coldly

    The direct opposite — without friendliness or warmth

  • icily

    Suggests hostility expressed through a deliberately cold manner

Grammar Patterns

warmly + past participle (passive)

warmly + past tense verb

Usage Note

Frequently used in passive constructions ('was warmly received', 'were warmly welcomed'). Common verbs it modifies include 'welcome', 'greet', 'receive', 'applaud', 'thank', 'smile', and 'embrace'.

Common Mistakes

She warmly said hello to her new neighbor.
She warmly greeted her new neighbor.
'Warmly' pairs naturally with 'greet', 'welcome', and 'receive' but sounds awkward with 'say hello'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/2

Cordially, heartily, enthusiastically, and affectionately all describe positive interactions, but each carries a different shade of meaning. Cordially is the most formal and polite, commonly used in invitations or business thank-you notes. Heartily adds energy and sincerity — a hearty laugh or a heartily offered congratulations feels genuine and unrestrained. Enthusiastically focuses on eagerness and excitement; it suggests visible energy rather than quiet warmth. Affectionately implies personal closeness and is used between people who know each other well, such as family members or close friends. For example, a diplomat was cordially received at the embassy (polite formal), the team heartily congratulated their captain after the win (sincere energy), children enthusiastically waved at the parade (excited), and grandparents affectionately hugged their grandchildren goodbye (personal love).

cordiallyheartilyenthusiastically ↗affectionately ↗

Etymology

Proto-Indo-EuropeanProto-GermanicOld EnglishEnglish

Formed in Middle English from the adjective 'warm' (from Old English 'wearm', meaning 'hot, glowing') plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. The root 'wearm' traces back through Proto-Germanic '*warmaz' to the Proto-Indo-European root '*gʷʰer-', meaning 'hot' or 'warm'. The emotional sense of 'warmly' — describing friendliness and affection — appeared in the 1500s, extending the physical idea of heat to describe human feelings and social reception.