awfully

[ aw-fuh-lee, awf-lee ]

adverb

1. very; extremely:

   That was awfully nice of you. He's awfully slow.

2. in a manner provoking censure, disapproval, or the like:

   She behaved awfully all evening.

3. Archaic.
   1. in a manner inspiring awe:

      shouting awfully the dreaded curse.

   2. in a manner expressing awe:

      to stare awfully.

awfully

/ ˈɔːflɪ; ˈɔːfəlɪ /

adverb

1. in an unpleasant, bad, or reprehensible manner
2. informal.
   (intensifier)

   I'm awfully keen to come

3. archaic.
   so as to express or inspire awe

Confusables Note

See awful.

Word History and Origins

Origin of awfully¹

1350–1400; Middle English auefulli; awful, -ly

Example Sentences

If that wasn't the kiss of death, it was an awfully good simulation.

From Salon

“It’s awfully difficult to bring in business and support businesses, and see businesses thriving because of this menace,” he said.

From BBC

For a player who became a Hall of Fame lock before age 30, Trout suddenly seems awfully old.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump himself vented to Fox & Friends after the debate that Harris seemed “awfully familiar with the questions.”

From Salon

Yes, it’s been an awfully long time since this incident happened, but I think what this does show is that length of time is no barrier at all for justice to be served.

From BBC

Related Words

• dreadfully
• excessively
• extremely
• hugely
• immensely
• quite
• terribly
• truly