Suddenly

/ˈsʌdənli/

Meaning & Definition

adverb
in a sudden manner; unexpectedly and quickly.
The lights went out suddenly, plunging the room into darkness.
occurring without warning.
Suddenly, the car swerved to avoid hitting a deer.
at once, without delay.
She suddenly realized she had forgotten her keys.
in a way that is surprising or unexpected.
He suddenly burst into laughter, catching everyone off guard.

Etymology

Middle English, from sudden + -ly

Common Phrases and Expressions

out of the blue
Unexpectedly; without advance notice.
all of a sudden
Suddenly; quickly and unexpectedly.
in a heartbeat
Very quickly; without delay.

Related Words

sudden
Happening or done quickly and unexpectedly.
suddenness
The quality of happening or being done quickly and unexpectedly.

Slang Meanings

Out of nowhere
It hit me out of nowhere when I got the news.
Boom!
And then, boom! She was gone.