successfully - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
successfully Word Meanings
- in a way that achieves the desired result
- in a way that is done with success and a favorable outcome
- used to describe a successful completion or execution
successfully Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
successfully Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/səkˈses.fə.li/
US
/səkˈses.fə.li/
successfully Word Etymology
Root decomposition: success + -ful → successful; + -ly → successfully. Historical origin: from Latin successus meaning achievement, via Old French succès into English; adjective formed with -ful, adverb with -ly. Memory image: imagine a relay team crossing the finish line to loud cheers, symbolizing success.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I rest my hand on the table and move the knob with a careful twist. I adjust my grip as the dial answers back, keeping the motion steady. When the gear clicks, I feel the effort pay off and I know I did it successfully.
Real Context
Successfully describes how an action is carried out with a desired result. It is formed from the adjective successful plus the -ly suffix, and it is used after verbs to describe how something was done: 'She completed the project successfully.' It also appears after auxiliary verbs in a future or conditional sense, and it can modify entire phrases like 'the experiment was completed successfully, despite earlier setbacks.' In everyday speech, native speakers prefer concrete verbs and specific outcomes, but successfully stresses the favorable result rather than the process itself. Remember that it answers the question how? and signals achievement.
Usage Reminders
- Use after a verb to show how the action was done. Do not use with stative verbs. Distinguish successfully from 'successful' (adverb vs adjective). Pair with concrete results when possible. Be mindful of tense: 'is successfully completing' vs 'was completed successfully'. Listen for natural collocations in speech. Practice with varied verbs to build confidence.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing successfully with successful (adverb vs adjective).
- Believing it describes the process rather than the result.
- Thinking it can always replace 'with success' in any context.
- Placing it before the verb in simple tenses becomes awkward.
- Using it with stative verbs (e. g., 'to be') is incorrect in common usage.
Thinking Differences
English uses a clear post-verb adverb to stress the result; learners often place it awkwardly or confuse it with the adjective 'successful'.
Learning Tips
- Create 6 short sentences with different verbs (finish, complete, achieve, perform, carry out, conduct).
- Listen to native speech and note how speakers stress the result.
- Compare with 'with success' to see the natural choice.
- Practice across tenses: completed successfully, will be completed successfully.
- Use writing prompts to describe outcomes clearly.
- Record yourself and check adverb placement.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does 'successfully' mean?
A.Achieving a desired result
B.Unsuccessfully
C.Happily
D.Dangerously
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'successfully' correctly?
A.She failed to complete the project successfully.
B.I ate my lunch successfully.
C.He successfully escaped the dangerous situation.
D.The cat successfully flew in the sky.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'successfully'?
A.Efficiently
B.Incorrectly
C.Quickly
D.Randomly
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'successfully'?
A.Haphazardly
B.Tragically
C.Complexly
D.Carefully
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario of 'successfully'?
A.They encountered many obstacles on their journey.
B.He struggled with the task and failed.
C.She completed her presentation flawlessly.
D.The experiment was a complete disaster.
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