aggressively

[ uh-gres-iv-lee ]

adverb

1. in an aggressive, militant, or menacing manner:

   The orders were to root out the entrenched rebels, swiftly and aggressively.

2. in a highly competitive manner; with an aggressive effort to win:

   The series was aggressively played by both teams.

3. in a vigorously or forcefully enterprising manner; ambitiously:

   an aggressively marketed line of cosmetics.

4. in a pushy or boldly assertive manner:

   They continue to lobby aggressively for a safer workplace.

5. Medicine/Medical.
   1. (of a disease’s or tumor’s viability) in a rapid and vigorous, highly invasive manner:

      The cancer has aggressively branched out to his lower intestine.

   2. in a highly potent, therapeutic, but risky manner, intended to destroy malignancy:

      Can the treatment aggressively target the tumor without harming healthy tissue?

6. (of a plant’s growth habit) with an undesirable tendency to spread rapidly, especially where unwanted:

   Wild lotuses have aggressively flourished in both ponds, much to the dismay of local canoeists.

Other Words From

• non·ag·gres·sive·ly adverb
• o·ver·ag·gres·sive·ly adverb
• un·ag·gres·sive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggressively¹

First recorded in 1790–95; aggressive ( def ) + -ly ( def )

Example Sentences

Her absence, coupled with Republican majorities, could allow conservative lawmakers to advance their priorities more aggressively, as well as reshaping the balance of power in future farm policy negotiations.

From Salon

“We will pass critical reforms making every executive branch employee fireable by the president,” he said last year, adding: “I will wield that power very aggressively.”

From Los Angeles Times

Tyson came out aggressively in the first two rounds but was nearly immobile through the second half.

From Los Angeles Times

As such, when Jinx commits her terrorist attack, both the immediate victims and Piltover citizens overall are aggressively dismissive of arguments about Zaunian social justice.

From Salon

Soon a man who was with her was aggressively interrupting our reporting, grabbing me and shouting.

From BBC