The Word “Incredibly”: Definitions, Synonyms, and Usage
Incredibly – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “incredibly” is an adverb used to emphasize the extent or degree of something, often indicating that it surpasses belief or expectations in a positive sense. It can suggest astonishment, admiration, or exaggeration, depending on context.
Grammatical Forms
“Incredibly,” as an adverb, modifies adjectives and other adverbs (e.g., “incredibly talented” or “ran incredibly fast”). Its primary use is to amplify the characteristics described by the words it modifies.
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazingly | Highlights something surprising or astonishing | “The magician performed amazingly well.” | Informal/General |
| Astonishingly | Emphasizes great surprise and wonder | “Her recovery was astonishingly quick.” | Formal/Emphatic |
| Remarkably | Indicates that something is noteworthy | “He solved the problem remarkably efficiently.” | Academic/Formal |
| Tremendously | Suggests a large or extreme degree | “The crowd cheered tremendously.” | Casual/General |
Usage Notes
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Amazingly: Best suited for informal contexts, this synonym emphasizes surprise and wonder. It works well in storytelling and casual conversation.
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Astonishingly: Ideal for formal writing such as academic papers or reports where the writer wishes to emphasize an unexpected outcome. It conveys a sense of wonder often used in scientific discoveries or news reporting.
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Remarkably: This term fits well in academic and professional settings, particularly when acknowledging something noteworthy or impressive. For instance, it’s appropriate when highlighting unique achievements in research articles.
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Tremendously: Commonly used in both casual and general contexts, this synonym communicates an extreme degree of emotion or action. It’s effective in conveying enthusiasm or a large impact on people or things.
Common Pitfalls
While “incredibly” often conveys positivity, it can sometimes be confused with a sense of disbelief when combined with negatives (e.g., “incredibly stupid”). This might lead to misinterpretations if context isn’t clear. When selecting synonyms:
- Ensure the synonym matches the intended tone—whether positive, negative, formal, or casual.
- Consider whether the nuance of surprise or degree is appropriate for the context.
Final Recap
To expand your vocabulary and usage in place of “incredibly,” consider these key synonyms:
- Amazingly for informal settings with a focus on wonder.
- Astonishingly for formal contexts emphasizing surprise.
- Remarkably for academic or professional environments acknowledging noteworthy aspects.
- Tremendously as a versatile option for conveying extremity in both casual and general usage.
Experiment with these words in your writing and conversations to better grasp their nuances. Practice crafting sentences that reflect different tones and settings to enhance understanding and application.