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vocabulary Level: ALL 306 words

All Adverbs

Complete adverb vocabulary from all CEFR levels in alphabetical order with definitions and example sentences.

vocabulary all-levels adverb glossary

abroad

A2 Adverb

In or to a foreign country.

Example

to go/travel/live/study abroad

absolutely

B1 Adverb

Used to emphasize that something is completely true.

Example

You're absolutely right.

accidentally

B2 Adverb

By chance; in a way that was not planned.

Example

As I turned around, I accidentally hit him in the face.

accordingly

C1 Adverb

In a way that is appropriate to what has been done or said in a particular situation.

Example

We have to discover his plans and act accordingly.

accurately

B2 Adverb

In a way that is correct and true in every detail.

Example

The article accurately reflects public opinion.

actually

A2 Adverb

Used in speaking to emphasize a fact or a comment, or that something is really true.

Example

What did she actually say?

additionally

B2 Adverb

In a way that is more than was first mentioned or is usual.

Example

Additionally, the bus service will run on Sundays, every two hours.

adequately

B2 Adverb

In a way that is enough in quantity, or good enough in quality, for a particular purpose or need.

Example

Are you adequately insured?

afterward

B2 Adverb

At a later or future time; subsequently.

Example

We went for a walk and had dinner afterward.

again

A1 Adverb

One more time; on another occasion.

Example

This must never happen again.

ago

A1 Adverb

Used in expressions of time with the simple past tense to show how far in the past something happened.

Example

two weeks/months/years ago

all right

A2 Adverb

Acceptable; in an acceptable manner.

Example

Is the coffee all right?

allegedly

C1 Adverb

Expressed as though something is a fact but without giving any proof.

Example

crimes allegedly committed during the war

alone

A2 Adverb

Without any other people.

Example

not alone in, Tom is not alone in finding Rick hard to work with.

along

A2 Adverb

Forward.

Example

I was just walking along singing to myself.

alongside

B2 Adverb

Next to or at the side of something.

Example

A police car pulled up alongside us.

already

A2 Adverb

Before now or before a particular time in the past.

Example

‘Lunch?’ ‘No thanks, I've already eaten.’

also

A1 Adverb

In addition; too.

Example

She's fluent in French and German. She also speaks a little Italian.

always

A1 Adverb

At all times; on every occasion.

Example

There's almost always somebody at home in the evenings.

annually

B2 Adverb

Once a year.

Example

The exhibition is held annually.

anywhere

A2 Adverb

Used in negative sentences and in questions instead of somewhere.

Example

I can't see it anywhere.

apart

B1 Adverb

Separated by a distance, of space or time.

Example

The two houses stood 500 metres apart.

apparently

B2 Adverb

According to what you have heard or read; according to the way something appears.

Example

Apparently they are getting divorced soon.

appropriately

B2 Adverb

In a way that is suitable, acceptable or correct for the particular circumstances.

Example

The government has been accused of not responding appropriately to the needs of the homeless.

approximately

B1 Adverb

Used to show that something is almost, but not completely, accurate or correct.

Example

The journey took approximately seven hours.

around

A1 Adverb

Approximately.

Example

He arrived around five o'clock.

as

A2 Adverb

Used when you are comparing two people or things, or two situations.

Example

You're as tall as your father.

aside

B2 Adverb

To one side; out of the way.

Example

She pulled the curtain aside.

automatically

B2 Adverb

Without needing a person to operate controls.

Example

The heating switches off automatically.

back

A1 Adverb

To or into the place, condition, situation or activity where somebody/something was before.

Example

When is he coming back to work?

badly

A2 Adverb

Without skill or care.

Example

to play/sing badly

barely

B2 Adverb

In a way that is just possible but only with difficulty.

Example

He could barely read and write.

basically

B2 Adverb

In the most important ways, without considering things that are less important.

Example

I think we are basically saying the same thing.

before

A2 Adverb

At an earlier time; in the past; already.

Example

You should have told me so before.

behind

A1 Adverb

At or towards the back of somebody/something; further back.

Example

She rode off down the road with the dog running behind.

below

A1 Adverb

At or to a lower level, position or place.

Example

They live on the floor below.

better

A2 Adverb

In a more excellent or pleasant way; not as badly.

Example

She sings much better than I do.

beyond

B2 Adverb

On the other side; further on.

Example

Snowdon and the mountains beyond were covered in snow.

briefly

B2 Adverb

For a short time.

Example

He had spoken to Emma only briefly.

brightly

B2 Adverb

In a way that gives out or reflects much light; luminously. In a cheerful and lively way.

Example

The sun shone brightly.

broadly

B2 Adverb

Generally, without considering details.

Example

Broadly speaking, I agree with you.

carefully

A2 Adverb

With a lot of attention or thought, so that you avoid hurting yourself, damaging something or doing something wrong.

Example

Drive carefully.

certainly

A2 Adverb

Without doubt.

Example

Without treatment, she will almost certainly die.

clearly

A2 Adverb

In a way that is easy to see or hear.

Example

Please speak clearly after the tone.

closely

B2 Adverb

Near in space or time.

Example

He walked into the room, closely followed by the rest of the family.

commonly

B2 Adverb

Usually; very often; by most people.

Example

Christopher is commonly known as Kit.

completely

A2 Adverb

In every way possible; in every part.

Example

It was completely different from how I had imagined it.

confidently

B2 Adverb

In a self-assured way that expresses certainty.

Example

He confidently predicted victory.

consequently

B2 Adverb

As a result; therefore.

Example

This poses a threat to agriculture and the food chain, and consequently to human health.

considerably

B2 Adverb

Much; a lot.

Example

The need for sleep varies considerably from person to person.

consistently

B2 Adverb

Always the same.

Example

Her work has been of a consistently high standard.

constantly

B2 Adverb

All the time; repeatedly.

Example

Fashion is constantly changing.

continually

C1 Adverb

In a way that is repeated many times so that it is annoying.

Example

They argue continually about money.

correctly

A2 Adverb

In a way that is accurate or true, without any mistakes.

Example

Have you spelled it correctly?

counter

B2 Adverb

A long flat surface over which goods are sold or business is done in a shop, bank, etc.

Example

behind the counter, I asked the woman behind the counter if they had any postcards.

currently

B1 Adverb

At the present time.

Example

The hourly charge is currently £35.

daily

B1 Adverb

Every day.

Example

The machines are inspected twice daily.

deadly

B2 Adverb

Causing or likely to cause death.

Example

a deadly weapon/disease

deeply

B2 Adverb

Very; very much.

Example

She is deeply religious.

definitely

A2 Adverb

A way of emphasizing that something is true and that there is no doubt about it.

Example

I definitely remember sending the letter.

deliberately

B2 Adverb

Done in a way that was planned, not by chance.

Example

She's been deliberately ignoring him all day.

desperately

B2 Adverb

In a way that shows you have little hope and are ready to do anything without worrying about danger to yourself or others.

Example

She looked desperately around for a weapon.

differently

A2 Adverb

In a different way from somebody/something.

Example

Boys and girls may behave differently.

diligently

C2 Adverb

In a careful and hardworking way, with steady, persistent effort.

Example

She diligently reviewed every clause in the contract before signing.

double

B1 Adverb

In twos or in two parts.

Example

I thought I was seeing double (= seeing two of something).

down

A1 Adverb

To or at a lower place or position.

Example

She jumped down off the chair.

downstairs

A1 Adverb

Down the stairs; on or to a floor of a house or building lower than the one you are on, especially the one at ground level.

Example

I couldn't sleep so I went downstairs and watched TV.

downtown

B2 Adverb

In or towards the centre of a city, especially its main business area.

Example

to go/work downtown

downward

B2 Adverb

Toward a lower place, point, or level.

Example

The path slopes downward.

dramatically

B2 Adverb

Very suddenly and to a very great and often surprising degree.

Example

Prices have fallen dramatically.

early

A1 Adverb

Near the beginning of a period of time, an event, a piece of work, etc.

Example

We arrived early the next day.

easily

A2 Adverb

Without problems or difficulty.

Example

The museum is easily accessible by car.

east

A1 Adverb

Towards the east.

Example

The house faces east.

effectively

B1 Adverb

In a way that produces the intended result or a successful result.

Example

The company must reduce costs to compete effectively.

efficiently

B2 Adverb

In a good and careful way, with no waste of time, money or energy.

Example

a very efficiently organized event

either

A2 Adverb

Used after negative phrases to state that a feeling or situation is similar to one already mentioned.

Example

Pete can't go and I can't either.

else

A1 Adverb

In addition to something already mentioned.

Example

What else did he say?

emotionally

B2 Adverb

In a way that is connected with people's feelings (= with the emotions).

Example

emotionally disturbed children

enough

A1 Adverb

To the necessary degree.

Example

I hadn't trained enough for the game.

entirely

B2 Adverb

In every way possible; completely.

Example

The experience was entirely new to me.

equally

B1 Adverb

To the same degree; in the same or in a similar way.

Example

Diet and exercise are equally important.

especially

A2 Adverb

More with one person, thing, etc. than with others, or more in particular circumstances than in others.

Example

Teenagers are very fashion conscious, especially girls.

essentially

B2 Adverb

When you think about the true, important or basic nature of somebody/something.

Example

There are three essentially different ways of tackling the problem.

even

A1 Adverb

Used to emphasize something unexpected or surprising.

Example

She didn't even call to say she wasn't coming.

eventually

B1 Adverb

At the end of a period of time or a series of events.

Example

Our flight eventually left five hours late.

ever

A1 Adverb

Used in negative sentences and questions, or sentences with if to mean ‘at any time’.

Example

Nothing ever happens here.

everywhere

A2 Adverb

In, to or at every place; all places.

Example

I've looked everywhere.

exclusively

C1 Adverb

For only one particular person, group or use.

Example

The resort caters almost exclusively for a high-society public.

explicitly

C1 Adverb

Clearly or directly, so that the meaning is easy to understand.

Example

The report states explicitly that the system was to blame.

extensively

B2 Adverb

In a way that covers a large area.

Example

She has travelled extensively.

extra

B1 Adverb

In addition; more than is usual, expected or exists already.

Example

to pay/cost extra

extremely

A2 Adverb

To a very high degree.

Example

It is extremely important to follow the directions exactly.

fairly

B1 Adverb

To some extent but not very.

Example

fairly simple/easy/straightforward

far

A1 Adverb

A long distance away.

Example

We didn't go far.

fast

A1 Adverb

Quickly.

Example

Don't drive so fast!

finally

A2 Adverb

After a long time, especially when there has been some difficulty or delay.

Example

The performance finally started half an hour late.

firm

B2 Adverb

Fairly hard; not easy to press into a different shape.

Example

a firm bed/mattress

firmly

B2 Adverb

In a strong or definite way.

Example

‘I can manage,’ she said firmly.

first

A1 Adverb

Before anyone or anything else; at the beginning.

Example

‘Do you want a drink?’ ‘I'll finish my work first.’

formerly

B2 Adverb

In the past.

Example

Namibia, formerly known as South West Africa

forth

C1 Adverb

Away from a place; out.

Example

They set forth at dawn.

fortunately

A2 Adverb

By good luck.

Example

I was late, but fortunately the meeting hadn't started.

forward

A2 Adverb

Towards a place or position that is in front.

Example

She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.

freely

B2 Adverb

Without anyone trying to prevent or control something.

Example

the country’s first freely elected president

frequently

B1 Adverb

Often.

Example

Buses run frequently between the city and the airport.

full-time

B2 Adverb

For all the hours of a week during which people normally work or study, rather than just for a part of it.

Example

students in full-time education

fully

B2 Adverb

Completely.

Example

I fully understand your motives.

fundamentally

B2 Adverb

In every way that is important; completely.

Example

The two approaches are fundamentally different.

further

B1 Adverb

At or to a greater distance.

Example

We had walked a bit further than I had realized.

generally

B1 Adverb

By or to most people.

Example

The initiative was generally considered a success.

genuinely

B2 Adverb

Truly; in a way that is exactly what it appears to be and is not artificial.

Example

There are some genuinely funny moments in the film.

gingerly

C2 Adverb

With great care and caution, especially to avoid pain, damage, or danger.

Example

He gingerly picked up the ancient manuscript, afraid of tearing the fragile pages.

gradually

B2 Adverb

Slowly, over a long period of time.

Example

to gradually increase/decrease

greatly

B2 Adverb

Very much.

Example

People's reaction to the film has varied greatly.

half

A2 Adverb

To the extent of half.

Example

The glass was half full.

halfway

C1 Adverb

At an equal distance between two points; in the middle of a period of time.

Example

It's about halfway between London and Bristol.

happily

A2 Adverb

In a cheerful way; with feelings of pleasure.

Example

children playing happily on the beach

hard

A1 Adverb

With great effort; with difficulty.

Example

to work hard

hardly

B1 Adverb

Almost no; almost not; almost none.

Example

There's hardly any tea left.

heavily

B1 Adverb

To a great degree; in large amounts.

Example

It was raining heavily.

hence

B2 Adverb

For this reason.

Example

We suspect they are trying to hide something, hence the need for an independent inquiry.

henceforth

C2 Adverb

Starting from this time; from this point forward.

Example

Henceforth, all communications must be submitted in writing.

here

A1 Adverb

Used after a verb or preposition to mean ‘in, at or to this position or place’.

Example

I live here.

highly

B1 Adverb

Very.

Example

It is highly unlikely that she'll be late.

hitherto

C2 Adverb

Until now; up to this point in time.

Example

Hitherto unknown species of deep-sea fish were discovered during the expedition.

home

A1 Adverb

To or at the place where you live.

Example

Come on, it's time to go home.

how

A1 Adverb

In what way or manner.

Example

How does it work?

however

A1 Adverb

Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with something that has just been said.

Example

He was feeling bad. He went to work, however, and tried to concentrate.

immeasurably

C2 Adverb

To a very great degree; beyond what can be measured.

Example

Access to clean water has immeasurably improved health outcomes in the region.

immediately

A2 Adverb

Without delay.

Example

She answered almost immediately.

imperceptibly

C2 Adverb

In a way that is so slight or gradual it cannot be noticed.

Example

The glacier moves imperceptibly—barely a centimetre per day.

increasingly

B2 Adverb

More and more all the time.

Example

Tourism is playing an increasingly important role in the region's economy

incredibly

B1 Adverb

Extremely.

Example

It was all incredibly difficult.

inevitably

B2 Adverb

As is certain to happen.

Example

Inevitably, the press exaggerated the story.

initially

B2 Adverb

At the beginning.

Example

Initially, the system worked well.

inside

A2 Adverb

On or to the inside.

Example

She shook it to make sure there was nothing inside.

instantly

B2 Adverb

Immediately.

Example

Her voice is instantly recognizable.

inter alia

C2 Adverb

Among other things; used in formal writing to indicate that more examples exist.

Example

The report covered, inter alia, the economic and environmental impacts of the policy.

intermittently

C2 Adverb

Not continuously; stopping and starting at irregular intervals.

Example

The power failed intermittently throughout the storm, complicating the operation.

ironically

C1 Adverb

In a way that shows that you really mean the opposite of what you are saying; in a way that expresses irony.

Example

He smiled ironically.

largely

B2 Adverb

To a great extent; mostly or mainly.

Example

The manager was largely responsible for the team’s victory.

last

A2 Adverb

After anyone or anything else; at the end.

Example

He came last in the race.

late

A1 Adverb

After the expected, arranged or usual time.

Example

I got up late.

lately

B2 Adverb

Recently; in the recent past.

Example

Have you seen her lately?

least

A2 Adverb

To the smallest degree.

Example

He always turns up just when you least expect him.

left

A1 Adverb

On or to the left side.

Example

Turn left at the intersection.

less

A2 Adverb

To a smaller degree; not so much.

Example

less expensive/likely/intelligent

likewise

B2 Adverb

The same; in a similar way.

Example

He voted for the change and he expected his colleagues to do likewise.

lonely

B1 Adverb

Unhappy because you have no friends or people to talk to.

Example

She lives alone and often feels lonely.

loudly

A2 Adverb

In a way that makes a lot of noise.

Example

She screamed as loudly as she could.

mainly

B1 Adverb

More than anything else; also used to talk about the most important reason for something.

Example

They eat mainly fruit and nuts.

maybe

A1 Adverb

Used when you are not certain that something will happen or that something is true or is a correct number.

Example

Maybe he'll come, maybe he won't.

meanwhile

B1 Adverb

While something else is happening.

Example

Leave the cake to cool completely. Meanwhile, make the topping.

merely

C1 Adverb

Used meaning ‘only’ or ‘simply’ to emphasize a fact or something that you are saying.

Example

It is not merely a job, but a way of life.

more

A1 Adverb

Used to form the comparative of most adjectives and adverbs with two or more syllables.

Example

She was far more intelligent than her sister.

moreover

B2 Adverb

Used to introduce some new information that adds to or supports what you have said previously.

Example

A talented artist, he was, moreover, a writer of some note.

most

A1 Adverb

Used to form the superlative of most adjectives and adverbs of two or more syllables.

Example

the most boring/beautiful part

mostly

A2 Adverb

Mainly; generally.

Example

The sauce is mostly cream.

much

A1 Adverb

To a great degree.

Example

Thank you very much for the flowers.

namely

C1 Adverb

Used to introduce more exact and detailed information about something that you have just mentioned.

Example

We need to concentrate on our target audience, namely women aged between 20 and 30.

naturally

B1 Adverb

In a way that you would expect.

Example

Naturally, I get upset when things go wrong.

near

A1 Adverb

At a short distance away.

Example

A bomb exploded somewhere near.

nearby

B2 Adverb

A short distance from somebody/something; not far away.

Example

They live nearby.

never

A1 Adverb

Not at any time; not on any occasion.

Example

You never help me.

nevertheless

B2 Adverb

Despite something that you have just mentioned.

Example

There is little chance that we will succeed in changing the law. Nevertheless, it is important that we try.

newly

B2 Adverb

Recently.

Example

a newly qualified doctor

next

A1 Adverb

After something else; then; afterwards.

Example

What happened next?

nonetheless

C1 Adverb

Despite this fact.

Example

The book is too long but, nonetheless, informative and entertaining.

normally

A2 Adverb

Usually; in normal circumstances.

Example

I would never normally discuss this.

north

A1 Adverb

Towards the north.

Example

The house faces north.

not

A1 Adverb

Used with be, do or have to form the negative of verbs; used to form the negative of modal verbs like can or must.

Example

She did not/didn’t see him.

notably

C1 Adverb

Used for giving a good or the most important example of something.

Example

The house had many drawbacks, most notably its price.

now

A1 Adverb

(at) the present time.

Example

Where are you living now?

nowadays

B2 Adverb

At the present time, in contrast with the past.

Example

Nowadays most kids prefer going online to reading books.

nowhere

A2 Adverb

Not in or to any place.

Example

I had nowhere to live, so I was sleeping on my sister's couch.

obviously

B1 Adverb

Used when giving information that you expect other people to know already or agree with.

Example

Obviously, we don't want to spend too much money.

occasionally

B2 Adverb

Sometimes but not often.

Example

We occasionally meet for a drink after work.

off

A1 Adverb

Used to say that something has been removed or become separated.

Example

He's had his beard shaved off.

often

A1 Adverb

Many times.

Example

We often go there.

OK

A1 Adverb

Safe and well; in a calm or happy state.

Example

Are you OK?

on

A1 Adverb

On somebody’s body; being worn.

Example

Put your coat on.

once

A1 Adverb

On one occasion only; one time.

Example

I've only been there once.

online

A1 Adverb

Onto the internet; using the internet or other computer network.

Example

Many children would rather go online than watch television.

only

A1 Adverb

Nobody or nothing except.

Example

There are only a limited number of tickets available.

openly

B2 Adverb

Without hiding any feelings, opinions or information.

Example

Can you talk openly about sex with your parents?

originally

B1 Adverb

Used to describe the situation that existed at the beginning of a particular period or activity, especially before something was changed.

Example

The school was originally very small.

out

A1 Adverb

Away from the inside of a place or thing.

Example

She ran out into the corridor.

outside

A1 Adverb

Not in a room, building or container but on or to the outside of it.

Example

I'm seeing a patient—please wait outside.

over

A1 Adverb

Across a street, an open space, etc.

Example

I stopped and crossed over.

overall

B2 Adverb

Including everything or everyone; in total.

Example

The company will invest $1.6m overall in new equipment.

overly

C1 Adverb

Too; very.

Example

I'm not overly fond of pasta.

overnight

B2 Adverb

During or for the night.

Example

We stayed overnight in London after the theatre.

overseas

B2 Adverb

To or in a foreign country, especially those separated from your country by the sea or ocean.

Example

to live/work/go overseas

part-time

B2 Adverb

For part of the day or week in which people work.

Example

She's looking for a part-time job.

partially

C1 Adverb

Partly; not completely.

Example

The road was partially blocked by a fallen tree.

particularly

B1 Adverb

Especially; more than usual or more than others.

Example

particularly useful/important/interesting

partly

B2 Adverb

To some extent; not completely.

Example

Some people are unwilling to attend the classes partly because of the cost involved.

past

A2 Adverb

From one side of something to the other.

Example

She smiled at me as she walked past.

patently

C2 Adverb

In a way that is clearly and obviously true; manifestly.

Example

His claims were patently false and easily disproved by the evidence.

percent

A2 Adverb

By a certain amount for every hundred.

Example

Sales rose 15 percent last year.

perfectly

B1 Adverb

Completely.

Example

It's perfectly normal to feel like this.

perhaps

A2 Adverb

Possibly.

Example

‘Are you going to come?’ ‘Perhaps. I'll see how I feel.’

permanently

B2 Adverb

In a way that lasts for a long time or for all time in the future; in a way that exists all the time.

Example

The stroke left his right side permanently damaged.

personally

B1 Adverb

Used to show that you are giving your own opinion about something.

Example

Personally, I prefer the second option.

plenty

B1 Adverb

A large amount; as much or as many as you need.

Example

plenty of eggs/money/time

possibly

B1 Adverb

Used to say that something might exist, happen or be true, but you are not certain.

Example

It was possibly their worst performance ever.

potentially

B2 Adverb

Used to say that something may develop into something.

Example

a potentially dangerous situation

precisely

B2 Adverb

Exactly.

Example

They look precisely the same to me.

predominantly

C1 Adverb

Mostly; mainly.

Example

She works in a predominantly male environment.

presently

C1 Adverb

At the time you are speaking or writing; now.

Example

The crime is presently being investigated by the police.

presumably

C1 Adverb

Used to say that you think that something is probably true.

Example

Presumably this is where the accident happened.

pretty

A1 Adverb

To some extent; fairly.

Example

The game was pretty good.

previously

B1 Adverb

At a time before the time that you are talking about.

Example

The building had previously been used as a hotel.

primarily

B2 Adverb

Mainly.

Example

a course designed primarily for specialists

probably

A1 Adverb

Used to say that something is likely to happen or to be true.

Example

You're probably right.

properly

B1 Adverb

In a way that is correct and/or appropriate.

Example

How much money do we need to do the job properly?

purely

B2 Adverb

Only; completely.

Example

I saw the letter purely by chance.

quickly

A1 Adverb

Fast.

Example

She walked quickly away.

quietly

A2 Adverb

In a way that makes very little noise.

Example

to ask/speak/talk quietly

rapidly

B2 Adverb

Very quickly; at a great rate.

Example

to increase/spread/expand rapidly

rarely

B1 Adverb

Not very often.

Example

She is rarely seen in public nowadays.

readily

C1 Adverb

Quickly and without difficulty.

Example

All ingredients are readily available from your local store.

reasonably

B2 Adverb

To a degree that is fairly good but not very good.

Example

The instructions are reasonably straightforward.

recently

A2 Adverb

Not long ago.

Example

a recently published book

regardless

C1 Adverb

Paying no attention, even if the situation is bad or there are difficulties.

Example

The weather was terrible but we carried on regardless.

regularly

B1 Adverb

At regular intervals or times.

Example

We meet regularly to discuss the progress of the project.

relatively

B2 Adverb

To a fairly large degree, especially in comparison to something else.

Example

relatively large/small/high/low

remarkably

B2 Adverb

In a way that is unusual or surprising and causes people to take notice.

Example

The car is in remarkably good condition for its age.

reportedly

C1 Adverb

According to what some people say.

Example

The band have reportedly decided to split up.

resolutely

C2 Adverb

In a determined and unwavering manner; with firm purpose.

Example

She resolutely refused to compromise her principles despite intense pressure.

respectively

C1 Adverb

In the same order as the people or things already mentioned.

Example

Julie and Mark, aged 17 and 19 respectively

retail

B2 Adverb

The selling of goods to the public, usually through shops.

Example

The recommended retail price is £9.99.

right

A1 Adverb

On or to the right side.

Example

Turn right at the end of the street.

roughly

B2 Adverb

Approximately but not exactly.

Example

Sales are up by roughly 10 per cent.

sadly

A2 Adverb

In a sad way.

Example

‘I'm so sorry,’ she said sadly.

secondly

A2 Adverb

Used to introduce the second of a list of points you want to make in a speech or piece of writing.

Example

Firstly, it's expensive, and secondly, it's too slow.

seemingly

C1 Adverb

In a way that appears to be true but may in fact not be.

Example

a seemingly stupid question

seldom

C1 Adverb

Not often.

Example

He had seldom seen a child with so much talent.

seriously

B1 Adverb

In a serious way.

Example

to be seriously ill/injured/wounded/hurt

severely

B2 Adverb

Very badly or seriously.

Example

severely injured

shortly

B2 Adverb

A short time; not long.

Example

She arrived shortly after us.

significantly

B2 Adverb

In a way that is large or important enough to have an effect on something or to be noticed.

Example

significantly higher/lower/larger/smaller

similarly

B1 Adverb

In almost the same way.

Example

It is a little cheaper than other similarly sized cars.

simply

B1 Adverb

Used to emphasize how easy or basic something is.

Example

To order, simply click here.

simultaneously

C1 Adverb

At the same time as something else.

Example

The game will be broadcast simultaneously on TV and radio.

since

B1 Adverb

From a time in the past until a later past time, or until now.

Example

She went for a run on Monday and has not been seen since.

slightly

B1 Adverb

A little.

Example

a slightly different version

slowly

A2 Adverb

At a slow speed; not quickly.

Example

to move/walk/turn slowly

so

A1 Adverb

To such a great degree.

Example

Don't look so angry.

solely

C1 Adverb

Only; not involving somebody/something else.

Example

She was motivated solely by self-interest.

somehow

B2 Adverb

In a way that is not known or certain.

Example

We must stop him from seeing her somehow.

sometimes

A1 Adverb

Occasionally rather than all of the time.

Example

Sometimes I go by car.

somewhat

B2 Adverb

To some degree.

Example

somewhat different/similar

somewhere

A2 Adverb

In, at or to a place that you do not know or do not mention by name.

Example

I read somewhere that she refuses to do interviews.

soon

A1 Adverb

In a short time from now; a short time after something else has happened.

Example

She sold the house soon after her husband died.

south

A1 Adverb

Towards the south.

Example

This room faces south.

specifically

B1 Adverb

Connected with or intended for one particular thing only.

Example

liquid vitamins specifically designed for children

still

A1 Adverb

Continuing until a particular point in time and not finishing.

Example

I am very happy that you all are still alive and well.

straight

A2 Adverb

Not in a curve or at an angle; in a straight line.

Example

Keep straight on for two miles.

strictly

B2 Adverb

With a lot of control and rules that must be obeyed.

Example

She was brought up very strictly.

strongly

B1 Adverb

In a way that shows definite and serious opinions or beliefs.

Example

a strongly worded protest

subsequently

B2 Adverb

Afterwards; later; after something else has happened.

Example

The original interview notes were subsequently lost.

substantially

C1 Adverb

Very much; a lot.

Example

The costs have increased substantially.

successfully

B1 Adverb

In a way that achieves your aims or what was intended.

Example

She had already successfully completed these courses.

suddenly

A2 Adverb

Quickly and unexpectedly.

Example

I suddenly realized what I had to do.

sufficiently

B2 Adverb

Enough for a particular purpose; as much as you need.

Example

The following day she felt sufficiently well to go to work.

supposedly

C1 Adverb

According to what is generally thought or believed but not known for certain.

Example

The novel is supposedly based on a true story.

sure

A2 Adverb

Used to say ‘yes’ to somebody.

Example

‘Will you get me my coat?’ ‘Sure, where is it?’

temporarily

B2 Adverb

In a way that lasts or is intended to last or be used only for a short time; in a way that is not permanent.

Example

We regret this service is temporarily unavailable.

thankfully

C1 Adverb

Used to show that you are pleased that something good has happened or that something bad has been avoided.

Example

There was a fire in the building, but thankfully no one was hurt.

there

A1 Adverb

Used to show that something exists or happens.

Example

There's a restaurant around the corner.

thereafter

C1 Adverb

After the time or event mentioned.

Example

She married at 17 and gave birth to her first child shortly thereafter.

thereby

C1 Adverb

Used to introduce the result of the action or situation mentioned.

Example

Regular exercise strengthens the heart, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack.

thoroughly

B2 Adverb

Very much; completely.

Example

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

though

B1 Adverb

Used especially at the end of a sentence or clause to add a fact or an opinion that makes the previous statement less strong or less important.

Example

Our team lost. It was a good game though.

through

A1 Adverb

From one end or side of something to the other.

Example

Put the coffee in the filter and let the water run through.

throughout

B1 Adverb

In or into every part of something.

Example

They export their products to markets throughout the world.

thus

B2 Adverb

In this way; like this.

Example

Many scholars have argued thus.

today

A1 Adverb

On this day.

Example

I've got a piano lesson later today.

tomorrow

A1 Adverb

On or during the day after today.

Example

I'm off now. See you tomorrow.

tonight

A1 Adverb

On or during the evening or night of today.

Example

Will you have dinner with me tonight?

too

A1 Adverb

Used before adjectives and adverbs to say that something is more than is good, necessary, possible, etc.

Example

He's far too young to go on his own.

totally

B1 Adverb

Completely.

Example

They come from totally different cultures.

truly

B2 Adverb

Used to emphasize that a particular statement, feeling, etc. is sincere or real.

Example

She truly believes that none of this is her fault.

typically

B1 Adverb

Used to say that something usually happens in the way that you are stating.

Example

The standard chips are typically used for databases and other business software.

ugly

B1 Adverb

Unpleasant to look at.

Example

an ugly face

ultimately

B2 Adverb

In the end; finally.

Example

A poor diet will ultimately lead to illness.

under

A1 Adverb

Below something.

Example

He pulled up the covers and crawled under.

underground

A2 Adverb

Under the surface of the ground.

Example

Rescuers found victims trapped several feet underground.

unfortunately

A2 Adverb

Used to say that a particular situation or fact makes you sad or disappointed, or gets you into a difficult position.

Example

Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the meeting.

unlikely

B1 Adverb

Not likely to happen; not probable.

Example

The project seemed unlikely to succeed.

up

A1 Adverb

Towards or in a higher position.

Example

He jumped up from his chair.

upstairs

A1 Adverb

Up the stairs; on or to a floor of a house or other building higher than the one that you are on.

Example

to run/walk/head upstairs

upward

B2 Adverb

Toward a higher place or level.

Example

The bird flew upward into the sky.

usually

A1 Adverb

In the way that is usual or normal; most often.

Example

How long does the journey usually take?

vehemently

C2 Adverb

With great force, passion, or intensity of feeling.

Example

He vehemently denied any involvement in the scandal.

verbatim

C2 Adverb

In exactly the same words as were used originally; word for word.

Example

She repeated the instructions verbatim to ensure nothing was misunderstood.

very

A1 Adverb

Used before adjectives, adverbs and determiners to mean ‘in a high degree’ or ‘extremely’.

Example

Very few people know that.

well

A1 Adverb

In a good, right or acceptable way.

Example

They played well in the tournament.

west

A1 Adverb

Towards the west.

Example

This room faces west.

when

A1 Adverb

At what time; on what occasion.

Example

When did you last see him?

where

A1 Adverb

In or to what place or situation.

Example

Where do you live?

why

A1 Adverb

Used in questions to ask the reason for or purpose of something.

Example

Why were you late?

widely

B2 Adverb

By a lot of people; in or to many places.

Example

The term is widely used in everyday speech.

worldwide

B1 Adverb

Affecting all parts of the world.

Example

an increase in worldwide sales

yesterday

A1 Adverb

On the day before today.

Example

A company spokeswoman said yesterday that no final decision had been made yet.