brightly
Brightly is an adverb describing an action performed with a high degree of light, vividness, or cheerfulness. In academic and scientific contexts, it refers to the high intensity or luminosity with which an object reflects or emits light.
Examples
3 of 5The morning sun shone brightly through the kitchen window, waking everyone up.
The sun emitted a strong light through the window in the morning.
The ballroom was brightly illuminated by dozens of crystal chandeliers.
The large room was filled with a high level of light from many lamps.
She smiled brightly when she saw her old friend walking toward her.
She gave a very cheerful and happy smile to her friend.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'ly' ending as 'Light Yearly'—something that shines so 'brightly' it could be seen from a light-year away.
Quick Quiz
The stars were shining ________ in the clear desert sky.
Correct!
The correct answer is: brightly
Examples
The morning sun shone brightly through the kitchen window, waking everyone up.
everydayThe sun emitted a strong light through the window in the morning.
The ballroom was brightly illuminated by dozens of crystal chandeliers.
formalThe large room was filled with a high level of light from many lamps.
She smiled brightly when she saw her old friend walking toward her.
informalShe gave a very cheerful and happy smile to her friend.
The magnesium ribbon burns brightly, producing a harsh white light during the reaction.
academicThe chemical substance produces a high-intensity light while burning.
The marketing team suggested using brightly colored banners for the trade show booth.
businessThe team recommended using banners with vivid and eye-catching colors.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
burn brightly but briefly
To achieve great success or intensity for a short period of time
look brightly upon
To view something with optimism or favor
a brightly burning star
A person or thing that is currently very famous or successful
Often Confused With
Bright is an adjective used to describe nouns, whereas brightly is an adverb used to describe how an action (verb) is performed.
Brilliantly often implies high intelligence or exceptional skill, while brightly focuses primarily on light or mood.
Usage Notes
Use 'brightly' to modify verbs of light (shine, glow, burn) or verbs of emotion (smile, laugh). It is also commonly used as part of a compound adjective before a noun, such as 'brightly colored flowers'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the adjective 'bright' instead of the adverb 'brightly' when describing an action, saying 'The sun shines bright' instead of the more standard 'The sun shines brightly'.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'ly' ending as 'Light Yearly'—something that shines so 'brightly' it could be seen from a light-year away.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English word 'beorht' (meaning shining or clear) combined with the adverbial suffix '-ly'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Western cultures, doing something 'brightly' or things that are 'brightly colored' are often associated with optimism, energy, and positive psychological states.
Quick Quiz
The stars were shining ________ in the clear desert sky.
Correct!
The correct answer is: brightly
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