Inklingo

How to Say "greatly" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forgreatlyis muchísimouse this informal but very common adverb when you want to strongly emphasize the degree of something, often expressing a high level of liking or intensity..

English → Spanish

muchísimo

adverbA2informal
Use this informal but very common adverb when you want to strongly emphasize the degree of something, often expressing a high level of liking or intensity.

Examples

Me gusta muchísimo tu nuevo coche.

I like your new car very much (a whole lot).

altamente

/al-TAH-men-te//alˈta.men.te/

adverbB1formal
Choose this option to emphasize a high degree or level, often used in more formal contexts or when describing efficiency, effectiveness, or quality.
A tiny brown mouse stands at the base of a gigantic wedge of yellow Swiss cheese, emphasizing the massive size of the cheese.

Examples

El nuevo software es altamente eficiente.

The new software is highly efficient.

La situación se considera altamente riesgosa.

The situation is considered extremely risky.

El jurado encontró su testimonio altamente creíble.

The jury found her testimony highly credible.

Forming Adverbs with -mente

Most Spanish adverbs like 'altamente' are formed by taking the feminine singular form of an adjective ('alta') and adding the ending '-mente.' This works just like adding '-ly' in English.

Invariable Word

Since 'altamente' is an adverb, it always stays the same. It does not change its ending to match the gender (masculine/feminine) or number (singular/plural) of the word it modifies.

Confusing Adverb and Adjective

Mistake:La situación es alta compleja. (Using the adjective 'alta' instead of the adverb.)

Correction: La situación es altamente compleja. (Use 'altamente' because it modifies the adjective 'compleja,' telling us *how* complex it is.)

extremadamente

/eks-treh-mah-dah-men-teh//eɣstɾemaˈðamente/

adverbB1
Use this adverb when you want to express an extreme degree, indicating something is beyond the usual or expected level, often for difficulty or intensity.
A massive, impossibly tall green tree dominates the landscape, illustrating an extreme degree of height. A tiny red house is visible at the base for scale.

Examples

La prueba de matemáticas fue extremadamente difícil.

The math test was extremely difficult.

Ella habla inglés extremadamente bien.

She speaks English extremely well.

El presidente se mostró extremadamente cauteloso con su respuesta.

The president showed himself to be extremely cautious with his response.

The '-mente' Adverb Pattern

Most adverbs that show how something is done or how much are created by taking the feminine form of an adjective (like 'extrema') and adding the ending '-mente'.

Always Invariable

Unlike adjectives, adverbs like 'extremadamente' never change their form. They are the same whether you are talking about one thing or many things, and regardless of gender.

Using the Masculine Form

Mistake:La cosa es extremo difícil.

Correction: La cosa es extremadamente difícil. (The base adjective is 'extremo,' but for the adverb, you must use the '-mente' ending.)

infinito

/een-fee-nee-toh//in.fi.ˈni.to/

adverbB2poetic
This poetic and emphatic adverb is used to express an immeasurable or boundless degree, typically for feelings like gratitude or love.
A tiny person standing in front of a massive, towering waterfall.

Examples

Te lo agradezco infinito.

I thank you immensely.

La película me gustó infinito.

I liked the movie a whole lot.

The 'Power-Up' Word

When used after a verb like 'agradecer' (to thank), it doesn't change its ending. It stays 'infinito' because it's describing the action, not a thing.

Choosing Between 'Muchísimo' and 'Altamente'

Learners often confuse 'muchísimo' and 'altamente'. Remember that 'muchísimo' is generally more informal and emphasizes quantity or strong personal feeling, while 'altamente' is more formal and focuses on a high level of quality or efficiency.

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