desperately

adverb

DES-pruht-lee/ˈdɛsp(ə)ɹətli/

2 meanings of desperately

1
adverb
Very much, or to a very high degree.
She desperately wanted to win the spelling contest.
After the long hike, the children were desperately thirsty.
Similarbadly, urgently, seriously, severely, sorely
Oppositeslightly, mildly
2
adverb
In a way that ignores danger, often because you feel there is no other choice.
Like swinging your arms wildly to stay afloat when you can't swim and there is no help nearby.
The trapped hikers worked desperately to dig their way out of the snow.
He fought desperately to hold on to the rope above the cliff.
Similarfrantically, recklessly, furiously, fiercely, wildly
Oppositecalmly, cautiously, carefully

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of desperately apart? Answer 2 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From the word "desperate" plus "-ly".