Awfully

/ˈɔːf(ə)li/

Meaning & Definition

adverb
To an extreme degree; very.
The movie was awfully good, much better than I expected.
In a manner that is very bad or unpleasant.
The weather was awfully cold during our trip.
Used as an intensifier to express a strong degree of something.
I felt awfully tired after running the marathon.
In an exceedingly or overly exaggerated way.
She was awfully quick to judge without knowing the facts.

Etymology

From 'awful' + '-ly', originally meaning 'in a way that inspires awe'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

Awfully nice
A sarcastic expression indicating that something is not as nice as it seems.
Awfully good
Used to emphasize that something is surprisingly good.
Awfully quiet
Referring to an unusual and noticeable silence.

Related Words

awful
Inspiring dread or fear; very bad.
awesomeness
The quality of being extremely impressive or daunting.

Slang Meanings

Really bad or terrible.
That concert was awfully.
Used for emphasis in a casual context.
I'm awfully hungry right now!