warmly
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɔːmli/
US
- /ˈwɔrmli/
Description
- affectionately
- enthusiastically
- with kindness
- cordially
- sincerely
To do something "warmly" means to do it in a way that shows real affection, kindness, or friendly feeling. It is not just about the action itself, but about the feeling behind it. You might greet an old friend warmly, with a big smile and clear happiness to see them. A teacher might respond warmly to a student's question, using a kind and encouraging tone. The word often suggests sincerity and positive emotion. It can also describe a pleasant atmosphere, such as a warmly lit room that feels cozy and inviting.
The adverb "warmly" describes the way an action is done, with affection, kindness, friendliness, or strong approval. It is often used for greetings, speech, smiles, thanks, praise, and other human interactions that carry real feeling rather than cold politeness.
Someone might welcome a guest warmly, showing real pleasure that the person has arrived. A person can speak warmly about a friend, a memory, or a place, which suggests affection and fondness. A writer might describe a character as smiling warmly to show kindness, ease, and approachability. People are also often received warmly, thanked warmly, praised warmly, or applauded warmly, meaning the response is heartfelt and enthusiastic.
The word is especially common in social and emotional contexts. If someone says, "She spoke warmly of her childhood," it means she spoke with affection. If we read that "He was warmly applauded," it means the audience responded with eager, genuine approval. In these cases, the word adds emotional color and shows that the feeling is open and sincere.
It can also be used in a more literal or visual way for light, color, or atmosphere. A lamp may glow warmly, or a room may be warmly lit, meaning it gives a sense of comfort and softness. Even then, the idea is still close to human warmth: something pleasant, gentle, and inviting. Overall, "warmly" is a word for actions, responses, or settings that feel kind, sincere, and full of welcome.
Examples
- 1
Friendly manner
She smiled warmly and offered me a seat.
- 2
Hospitality
We were warmly welcomed by our new neighbors.
- 3
Praise
He spoke warmly about his old coach after the game.
Pattern
speak warmly about + person/topic
talk about them with affection or praise
- 4
Recommendation
I can warmly recommend this book to anyone learning English.
Phrase
warmly recommend
recommend very strongly and positively
- 5
Meeting reaction
Her idea was warmly received at the meeting.
Phrase
warmly received
accepted with clear approval
- 6
Clothing
Dress warmly if you're going out after dark.
Meaning
warmly
in clothes that keep you warm
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- warmlyadverb