infernally
- Adverb:
- Extremely, to a very great degree: Used as an intensifier, often to express annoyance, frustration, or strong emphasis on the described quality.
- In a manner resembling hell or its inhabitants; diabolically: Pertaining to or characteristic of hell or evil forces. (This sense is less common in modern usage as an intensifier.)
The word "infernally" is used to modify adjectives or other adverbs, intensifying their meaning. It often carries a connotation of irritation or exasperation. It is more common in formal or literary contexts than in casual speech.
As an intensifier (most common):
- The instructions were infernally complicated. (The instructions were extremely and frustratingly complicated.)
- He is an infernally slow driver. (He is an extremely and annoyingly slow driver.)
- It's been infernally hot this week. (It has been extremely and unpleasantly hot this week.)
Literary use (relating to hell):
- The demon laughed infernally. (The demon laughed in a manner characteristic of hell.)
- "infernally + [adjective]": This is the standard construction. The adjective often describes something negative or troublesome.
- The problem is infernally persistent.
- She has an infernally good memory for details I'd rather forget.
- Infernal (adjective): Of or relating to hell; (informal) extremely annoying or unpleasant.
- We've been stuck in this infernal traffic jam for hours.
- Hellishly (adverb): A very close synonym, meaning extremely or unpleasantly.
- The test was hellishly difficult.
- Extremely
- Exceedingly
- Hellishly (closest synonym in tone and register)
- Devilishly (can also be used as an intensifier)
- Terribly
- Awfully
- Slightly
- Moderately
- Barely
The primary modern use of "infernally" is as a strong intensifier, similar to "extremely" but with an added layer of emotional frustration or emphasis. Its original meaning, connected to hell or evil, is now mostly reserved for poetic or religious contexts. When used in everyday language (e.g., "infernally long wait"), it does not literally imply a connection to hell but rather emphasizes the speaker's strong feeling about the situation.
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extremely
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infernally clever
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hellishly dangerous
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