highly
gb/hˈaɪli/ us/hˈaɪli/
B1
English
~ 1200
jelentősen, nagyon, sokkal, lényegesen, rendkívül, elismerően, nagyra tart
B1
1
Usage pattern:
highly [adjective/past participle]
The movie was highly entertaining from start to finish.
A film elejétől a végéig rendkívül szórakoztató volt.
She is highly respected in her field.
A szakterületén nagy tiszteletnek örvend.
It is highly unlikely that it will rain today.
He spoke highly of his former teacher.
This job requires someone who is highly skilled in programming.
Learner examples
The book is highly interesting.
A könyv nagyon érdekes.
He is highly important in the company.
Nagyon fontos szerepe van a vállalatnál.
This food is highly popular here.
She is highly good at painting.
It is highly easy to use this phone.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'highly' with adjectives that describe measurable quantities (e.g., 'highly big'), which is incorrect. 'Highly' is used with certain adjectives like 'likely', 'skilled', 'respected'.
Meaning
To a very great extent
Collocations
highly recommended
|highly unlikely
|highly successful
|highly skilled
|highly effective
Synonyms
extremely (Slightly more neutral and common in all contexts.)
|
very (More general and slightly less formal than 'highly'.)
Antonyms
slightly (Indicates a small degree, the opposite of 'highly'.)
|
barely (Indicates almost not at all, opposite in degree.)
Themes
evaluation
|emotions
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Very much; to a great degree.
To a very great degree or extent; extremely.
B1
2
elismerően
B2
nagyra tart
B2
Usage pattern:
to speak highly of [someone/something]
The coach spoke highly of the team's performance.
Az edző elismerően beszélt a csapat teljesítményéről.
She always thinks highly of her colleagues.
Mindig nagyra tartja a kollégáit.
Many critics have written highly of the new novel.
Learner examples
My teacher spoke highly of my work.
A tanárom elismerően beszélt a munkámról.
He thinks highly of his friend.
Nagyra tartja a barátját.
They wrote highly of the movie.
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'speak highly of' with 'speak loudly about', which is incorrect as it relates to praise, not volume.
Meaning
With great admiration or praise
Collocations
speak highly of
|think highly of
Synonyms
admiringly (Focuses on showing admiration.)
Antonyms
critically (Expressing disapproval instead of praise.)
Themes
evaluation
|communication
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Saying good things about someone or something; with strong praise.
In a way that expresses great approval or admiration.
Grammar
Dictionary form
highly
IPA
GB/hˈaɪli/
US/hˈaɪli/
Syllables & stress
highly (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (highly)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: highly
- Plural: highlies
Word family
Expressions
speak highly of
1/spˈik hˈaɪli əv/
fixed phrase
Express strong praise for someone/something
To say very good things about someone or something.
Examples
- The manager spoke highly of her team's dedication.
- He always speaks highly of his hometown.
think highly of
1/θˈɪŋk hˈaɪli əv/
fixed phrase
Have great respect or admiration for someone/something
To respect or admire someone or something a lot.
Examples
- She thinks highly of her mentor.
- I think highly of that restaurant because of its service.