WordGarden.iophenomenally
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /fɪnˈɒmɪnəli/
US
- /fəˈnɑmənəli/
Meanings
Adverb
to an extraordinary or exceptional degree; extremely
in an outstanding or remarkably successful way
Beyond the definition
If something happens phenomenally well, it is not just good, it is far better than usual. You might use it for a singer who hits every note, an athlete who keeps making difficult plays, or a student who does amazingly well on every test. The word adds strong emphasis and points to a very high level of quality, success, or effect.
Imagine a tiny bakery that suddenly becomes incredibly popular, with people lining up around the block. You might say, "Business is growing phenomenally." Or if a student aces every test in a difficult class, a teacher might say the student is doing phenomenally well. It is a word used to stress an unusually high degree of success, quality, or growth.
The adverb phenomenally describes something happening or being done to an extraordinary degree. Very often, it is used in positive contexts to mean exceptionally well, successfully, or impressively. It can describe performance, growth, success, skill, popularity, or intensity. The word comes from "phenomenon," a term for something notable or remarkable.
To say someone performs phenomenally suggests an exceptional level of skill or success. For example, "The actress was praised for her phenomenally nuanced portrayal of the character" means her performance was impressively detailed and skillful. It is also common in cases where something increases or improves by a very large amount, as in "The new technology has improved efficiency phenomenally."
While it is most common in positive situations, the core idea is intensity or degree, so it can describe more than just talent or praise. A company can grow phenomenally, a book can sell phenomenally well, or a plan can work phenomenally well. It is especially useful when you want to emphasize that something is far beyond normal in quality, impact, or success.
So, if something stands out because it is successful, impressive, or strong to a very unusual degree, it is happening phenomenally.
Examples
- 1
Business success
The new restaurant has been phenomenally successful.
- 2
Musical skill
She is a phenomenally talented pianist.
- 3
Medical effect
The medicine worked phenomenally well for him.
- 4
Sales growth
Ticket sales grew phenomenally fast after the band announced the tour.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- phenomenally successful
- phenomenally popular
- phenomenally talented
- phenomenally expensive
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- phenomenallyadverb