What is highly? Pronunciation and usage in English

highly means . Learn how to pronounce and use highly through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of highly

highlyadverb

/ˈhʌɪli/
Definition & pronunciation of highly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "highly" in English. It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced! Here's the breakdown:

The correct pronunciation is: /ˈhaɪli/ (HIGH-lee)

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • "High": This part is straightforward. It sounds like "HIGH" as in "high school." The "y" is relatively short and doesn't have a distinct sound.
  • "ly": This is where most people stumble. It doesn't make the "l" sound. Instead, it's pronounced like "lee". Think of the word "free" – that's the same sound.

Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "hi-ly": This is the most common mistake. It's important to keep the "high" sound separate.
  • Don't overemphasize the "y": It’s a subtle sound.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. You can find pronunciation examples on:

Would you like me to:

  • Say the word aloud?
  • Give you some more example sentences using "highly"?

Usage and examples with the word highly in English

Let's break down how to use the word "highly" effectively in English. It's a versatile word that adds emphasis and a sense of intensity to a statement. Here's a breakdown of its uses, with examples:

1. As an Adverb (Most Common Usage):

  • Meaning: "Highly" primarily functions as an adverb, meaning "very" or "extremely." It amplifies the adjective or verb it modifies.

  • Examples:

    • "She is highly intelligent." (Means she's very intelligent)
    • "The food was highly recommended." (Means it was extremely recommended)
    • "The experiment yielded highly promising results." (Means the results were very promising)
    • "He was highly disappointed." (He was extremely disappointed)
    • "The city is highly regarded for its museums." (The city is very well-regarded)

2. With Adjectives (To Intensify):

  • Creating Highly Adjectives: You can combine "highly" with an adjective to create a stronger, more emphatic form.

  • Examples:

    • Highly effective (much more effective than just "effective")
    • Highly skilled (much more skilled than just "skilled")
    • Highly sensitive (very sensitive)
    • Highly controversial (a more intense level of controversy)
    • Highly important (extremely important)

3. In Phrases:

  • Highly likely: Indicates a strong probability. "It is highly likely that it will rain tomorrow."

  • Highly probable: Similar to "highly likely," signifying a strong chance.

  • Highly recommended: Suggests a strong endorsement. “This restaurant is highly recommended.”

  • Highly regarded: Means something is greatly valued or respected. “The professor is highly regarded for his expertise.”

4. Formal/Literary Use (Less Common):

  • You might occasionally find “highly” used in more formal or literary writing for a deliberate stylistic effect, emphasizing the strength of a sentiment or assertion. However, in most modern contexts, "very" or "extremely" are more common.

Important Notes and Considerations:

  • Don't overuse it: While "highly" is useful, using it too often can make your writing sound repetitive or overstated. Consider if "very" or "extremely" would be equally effective.

  • Clarity: Ensure “highly” is providing genuine emphasis. Sometimes a stronger adjective (like “crucial,” “vital,” “significant”) would be more precise and impactful.

  • Alternatives: Sometimes you can replace “highly” with words like:

    • Very
    • Extremely
    • Truly
    • Remarkably
    • Significantly

Let's test your understanding:

Fill in the blanks with "highly" or a suitable alternative:

  1. The professor’s lecture was _____ informative.
  2. She is a _____ talented musician.
  3. The evidence suggests it is _____ possible that he was involved.
  4. The company's profits reached a _____ impressive level this quarter.

Answers:

  1. highly
  2. highly
  3. highly
  4. highly

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain how to use "highly" in a specific context (e.g., academic writing, business communication)?
  • Provide some exercises to practice using "highly"?

Synonyms for the word highly

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