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suddenly

adverb
SUD-uhn-lee/ˈsʌdn̩li/

1 meaning of suddenly

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  1. 1
    adverb
    In a way that happens fast and with little or no warning.

    Like a balloon popping: it happens all at once, with no warning.

    The lights suddenly went out during the storm.

    She suddenly remembered she had left the stove on.

    UsageSay a sudden noise, but the car stopped suddenly.

    Similarabruptly, unexpectedly, quickly, sharply

    Oppositegradually, slowly

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Origin

From an older English word, made from "sudden" plus "-ly".

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 1 fact

  • Suddenly derives from an earlier English form made from sudden plus -ly. en.wiktionary.org