Definition

Adverb: Without any doubt; certainly; by a very large margin. Used to emphasize that something is unquestionably true or that one possibility is far more likely than others.

Usage

This adverb is used to strongly assert a fact or a high probability. It often appears in comparisons or statements of certainty. * It modifies verbs, adjectives, or entire clauses to add strong emphasis. * It is synonymous with phrases like "without a doubt," "decidedly," or "by a long shot."

Examples

• Modifying a clause:
• In a comparison:
• Asserting probability:

Advanced Usage

• "By all odds" can be used in formal and informal contexts to express a high degree of certainty based on evidence or logic.
• It is often placed at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis, but can also be placed after the verb it modifies.
  • They should, by all odds, have arrived by now.

Variants and Related Words

• Odds (noun): The probability or likelihood of something happening or being the case.
  • The odds of winning the lottery are very low.
• Against all odds (idiom): Despite something being very unlikely.
  • Against all odds, the small company succeeded.

Synonyms

• Decidedly
• Unquestionably
• Undoubtedly
• Definitely
• By far
• By a long shot (informal)

Antonyms

• Possibly
• Perhaps
• Doubtfully
• Uncertainly

Related Idioms

• Against all odds: As mentioned above, this is a common contrasting idiom.
  • She recovered against all odds.

Adverb

1. without question and beyond doubt
   • it was decidedly too expensive
   • she told him off in spades
   • by all odds they should win