Definition

Adverb: 1. To an exceptional degree; remarkably; unusually: Used to emphasize that something is not ordinary or common, but stands out in its quality, frequency, or intensity.

Usage

The adverb "uncommonly" is used to modify adjectives, other adverbs, or verbs to indicate that the described quality or action is rare, exceptional, or notably above the average. It often carries a positive connotation of something being surprisingly good or intense.

Examples

• Modifying an adjective:

  • She is an uncommonly talented musician. (Her talent is remarkably above the ordinary.)
  • The weather has been uncommonly warm for October. (The warmth is unusual for this time of year.)
  • He was uncommonly quiet during the meeting. (His silence was notably out of character.)

• Modifying an adverb:

  • The project progressed uncommonly quickly. (The speed of progress was exceptionally fast.)

• Modifying a verb (less common):

  • He uncommonly expresses his feelings so openly. (It is rare for him to do this.)

Advanced Usage

• "Uncommonly" can be used in formal or literary contexts to add emphasis. It is stronger than "very" or "quite" and implies a deviation from the norm.
  • The two leaders found an uncommonly high level of agreement on the issue.
• It can sometimes be used ironically or sarcastically to point out that something negative is, unfortunately, not rare.
  • He is uncommonly good at making mistakes. (This implies he makes mistakes frequently and notably.)

Variants and Related Words

• Uncommon (adjective): Not occurring, found, or experienced often; unusual.
  • Such kindness is uncommon in this city.
• Common (adjective): Occurring, found, or done often; prevalent. (This is the direct antonym of the root word.)

Synonyms

• Exceptionally
• Remarkably
• Extraordinarily
• Unusually
• Extremely
• Notably

Antonyms

• Commonly
• Usually
• Ordinarily
• Frequently
• Normally

Related Phrases

• Not uncommonly: A formal phrase meaning "fairly often" or "quite frequently." It uses a double negative for a softened affirmative.
  • Not uncommonly, patients experience mild side effects. (It is quite common for patients to experience mild side effects.)

Adverb

1. exceptionally
   • a common remedy is uncommonly difficult to find