highly

adverb

high·​ly ˈhī-lē How to pronounce highly (audio)
1
: in or to a high place, level, or rank
2
: in or to a high degree or amount
3
: with approval : favorably

Examples of highly in a Sentence

She is one of the most highly respected journalists in the country. though she didn't win, she was highly satisfied with her personal results for the marathon
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Getty Images Artificial intelligence is projected to reach $4.8 trillion in market value by 2033, but the technology’s benefits remain highly concentrated, according to the U.N. Trade and Development agency. Dylan Butts, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025 The first episode goes inside Area 51, the highly classified United States military installation within the Nevada Test and Training Range. Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025 But the Crew Dragon is highly automated and can be controlled from the ground when necessary. William Harwood, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2025 Crystal Beck, a Brigham City police detective, said the body was highly decomposed, and officials are looking at reports of people who’ve gone missing across Utah and the country, KSL TV reported. Sara Schilling, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for highly

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of highly was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Highly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/highly. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

highly

adverb
high·​ly ˈhī-lē How to pronounce highly (audio)
1
: very entry 2 sense 1, extremely
highly pleased
2
: with approval
speaks highly of you

More from Merriam-Webster on highly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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