wickedly
gb/wˈɪkɪdli/ us/wˈɪkɪdli/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
informal
B2
property
1
extremely; very
very; extremely
Usage pattern:
wickedly + [adjective/adverb]
Common mistake:
Don’t confuse this intensifier use with the literal meaning “in an evil way.”
Synonyms
extremely (More neutral; less playful in tone.)
|
incredibly (Often suggests surprise in addition to emphasis.)
|
really (Weaker and more common in everyday speech.)
|
terribly (Common intensifier but can sound more negative or old-fashioned in some contexts.)
Antonyms
slightly (Shows a small degree instead of a strong one.)
|
mildly (Suggests a gentle or limited degree.)
Collocations
wickedly funny
|wickedly smart
|wickedly fast
|wickedly good
|wickedly hard
|wickedly difficult
|wickedly expensive
|wickedly complicated
|wickedly talented
|wickedly effective
Themes
daily_life
|communication
Examples
- That movie was wickedly funny from start to finish.
- She’s wickedly good at picking up languages.
- The plan is wickedly complicated, but it might work.
Learner examples
- This game is wickedly hard.
- The cake is wickedly good.
adverb
C1
property
2
in an evil way
in a bad or evil way
Usage pattern:
wickedly + [verb/adjective]
Synonyms
evilly (More direct and literal; less stylistic.)
|
maliciously (Emphasizes intention to harm.)
|
cruelly (Focuses on causing suffering.)
|
immorally (Highlights violation of moral standards rather than harm.)
Antonyms
kindly (Shows warmth or benevolence rather than harm.)
|
virtuously (Emphasizes moral goodness.)
Collocations
wickedly cruel
|wickedly corrupt
|wickedly manipulative
|wickedly deceived
|wickedly abused
|wickedly exploited
|wickedly murdered
|wickedly betrayed
Themes
morality
|emotions
|crime
Examples
- He was wickedly cruel to the people who depended on him.
- The villain wickedly enjoyed the chaos he created.
- She accused the company of acting wickedly toward its workers.
Learner examples
- The man acted wickedly.
- They treated him wickedly.
adverb
B2
property
3
mischievously; with playful naughtiness
in a playful, slightly naughty way
Usage pattern:
wickedly + [verb] (especially smile/grin/laugh)
Synonyms
mischievously (More straightforward; less dramatic.)
|
impishly (Suggests childlike, playful mischief.)
|
slyly (Emphasizes secrecy or cleverness more than playfulness.)
Antonyms
innocently (Suggests no mischievous intent.)
|
solemnly (Opposes the playful, amused tone.)
Collocations
wickedly smile
|wickedly grin
|wickedly laugh
|wickedly wink
|wickedly amused
|wickedly pleased
Themes
emotions
|social
|humor
Examples
- He winked wickedly and slipped the extra cookie onto her plate.
- She smiled wickedly when she realized they’d fallen for the prank.
- They laughed wickedly as the surprise plan came together.
Learner examples
- He smiled wickedly.
- She laughed wickedly.
Grammar
Dictionary form
wickedly
IPA
GB/wˈɪkɪdli/
US/wˈɪkɪdli/
Syllables & stress
wickedly (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (wickedly)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: wickedly
- Plural: wickedlies
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.