Definition

Adverb: 1. In a way that accomplishes a desired aim or result; with a favorable outcome. This is the primary meaning, indicating that an action was completed as intended or hoped for. * She successfully defended her thesis. * The team successfully launched the new product. 2. In a manner that achieves popularity, profit, or status. This meaning applies when the outcome is measured by recognition or material gain. * He has successfully transitioned from acting to directing.

Usage Examples

• General Achievement:
  • The engineers successfully repaired the bridge ahead of schedule.
  • After months of training, she successfully ran her first marathon.
• Completion of a Process:
  • The application form was successfully submitted.
  • We have successfully negotiated a new contract.
• Overcoming a Challenge:
  • The firefighters successfully contained the wildfire.
  • He successfully argued his case in court.

Advanced Usage

• "To successfully + Verb" Construction: This is the most common grammatical pattern. The adverb "successfully" modifies the verb that follows it, describing the manner of the action.
  • The programmer successfully debugged the complex software.
• Position in a Sentence: "Successfully" is often placed before the main verb it modifies (e.g., ) or at the end of a clause (e.g., ).

Variants and Related Words

• Successful (Adjective): Having attained success; achieving or having achieved success.
  • a successful business, a successful candidate
• Success (Noun): The accomplishment of an aim or purpose; the attainment of popularity or profit.
  • the success of the project, a measure of success
• Unsuccessfully (Adverb): In a manner that does not achieve the desired aim; without success.
  • He attempted unsuccessfully to start the engine.

Synonyms

• Effectively: In such a manner as to achieve a desired result.
• Triumphantly: In a way that celebrates a great victory or achievement.
• Fruitfully: Producing good or helpful results; productively.
• With flying colors: With distinction; very successfully.

Antonyms

• Unsuccessfully
• Poorly
• Ineffectively
• Badly

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Pull something off successfully: To manage to do something difficult successfully.
  • It was a risky plan, but they pulled it off successfully.
• Bring something to a successful conclusion: To finish something with a good result.
  • The mediator helped bring the talks to a successful conclusion.

Adverb

1. with success; in a successful manner
   • she performed the surgery successfully