highly
gb/hˈaɪli/ us/hˈaɪli/
B1
English
~ 1200
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
property
1
To a very great extent
Very much; to a great degree.
Usage pattern:
highly [adjective/past participle]
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'.
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.)
Collocations
highly recommended
|highly unlikely
|highly successful
|highly skilled
|highly effective
Themes
evaluation
|emotions
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The movie was highly entertaining from start to finish.
- She is highly respected in her field.
- 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.
- He is highly important in the company.
- This food is highly popular here.
- She is highly good at painting.
- It is highly easy to use this phone.
adverb
B1
property
2
With great admiration or praise
Saying good things about someone or something; with strong praise.
Usage pattern:
to speak highly of [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'speak highly of' with 'speak loudly about', which is incorrect as it relates to praise, not volume.
Synonyms
admiringly (Focuses on showing admiration.)
Antonyms
critically (Expressing disapproval instead of praise.)
Collocations
speak highly of
|think highly of
Themes
evaluation
|communication
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The coach spoke highly of the team's performance.
- She always thinks highly of her colleagues.
- Many critics have written highly of the new novel.
Learner examples
- My teacher spoke highly of my work.
- He thinks highly of his friend.
- They wrote highly of the movie.
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.