Definition

Adverb: 1. In a wicked or evil manner; with evil intent or effect: Describes an action done in a way that is morally wrong, sinful, or intended to cause harm. 2. Extremely or impressively; to a remarkable degree (informal, often for emphasis): Used informally to intensify an adjective, often implying something is formidably good or bad.

Usage

The adverb "wickedly" modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb to describe how an action is performed or to intensify a quality. - It most commonly describes actions done with malice or sinfulness. - In informal contexts, it can function as an intensifier similar to "extremely" or "incredibly."

Examples

• Modifying a verb (evil manner):
  • The villain laughed wickedly as he explained his plan.
  • She was accused of plotting wickedly against the king.
• Modifying an adjective (as an intensifier):
  • That is a wickedly difficult puzzle.
  • He plays a wickedly fast guitar solo.

Advanced Usage

• "wickedly clever": Extremely clever, often in a cunning or deceptive way.
  • The mystery featured a wickedly clever antagonist who was always one step ahead.
• "wickedly funny": Hilarious in a sharp, dark, or sarcastic way.
  • The comedian's wickedly funny observations about politics had the audience in stitches.

Variants and Related Words

• Wicked (adjective): Evil or morally wrong; (informal) excellent, formidable.
  • a wicked deed / a wicked sense of humor
• Wickedness (noun): The quality or state of being wicked.
  • The story explores the themes of greed and wickedness.

Synonyms

• Evilly: In an evil manner.
• Sinfully: In a sinful way.
• Maliciously: With intent to do harm.
• Diabolically: In a devilish or fiendish manner.
• Extremely (for intensifier use): To a very high degree.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Grin wickedly: To smile in a way that shows malicious amusement or evil intent.
  • The character would always grin wickedly before carrying out his schemes.
• Wickedly good: Informal phrase meaning extremely good or skilled.
  • She's a wickedly good programmer.

Adverb

1. in a wicked evil manner
   • act wickedly
   • grin evilly