fearfully

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English

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Etymology

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From fearful +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation

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Adverb

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fearfully (comparative more fearfully, superlative most fearfully)

  1. In a fearful manner; characterized by fear.
    I stepped fearfully into the pitch-dark cave.
  2. (UK, dated) very; very much.
    He's a fearfully good striker.
    • 1 November 1884, John Kemp, Saddlers, Harness Makers, and Carriage Builders' Gazette[1], volume XIV, London, pages 155–6:
      Remember, when a horse is on its side the kicking-strap is useless, and the breechen nearly so, to prevent the swing of its hind legs; your aim is to get it away from the steps or wheel-plate of the trap, which, in its struggles, may cut its legs fearfully.