What is remarkably? Pronunciation and usage in English

remarkably means . Learn how to pronounce and use remarkably through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of remarkably

remarkablyadverb

/rɪˈmɑːkəbli/
Definition & pronunciation of remarkably

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "remarkably" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown, with a few different ways to approach it:

1. The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • re- - sounds like "re" in "red" (short vowel sound)
  • mark- - sounds like "mark" (like the word itself)
  • a- - sounds like "a" in "father" (long 'a' sound)
  • -bly - sounds like "blee" (rhymes with "see")

Putting it together: /rɪˈmɑːrkəblɪ/

Let's break that phonetic spelling down:

  • rɪ – a quick dipthong, like the “i” in “bit”
  • ˈmɑːrkəblɪ – emphasizes the syllable “mark” and has a longer, more drawn-out “a” sound.

2. A More Detailed Breakdown & Tips:

  • The "r" sound: The "r" in "remarkably" is a retroflex r. This is a subtle sound where you curl your tongue slightly back in your mouth. If you can't do a retroflex r perfectly, don't worry too much! The sound still works if you just make a clear "r" sound.
  • The "a" in "mark": This is a broad a, meaning it’s a long "a" sound, similar to the "a" in "father" or "car." Don't make it short like the "a" in "cat."
  • The stress: The stress is on the second syllable - "mark". That’s why the "a" in 'mark' is elongated.

3. Resources to Listen:

  • Google Translate: Type "remarkably" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. You'll hear a native speaker pronounce it. https://translate.google.com/
  • Forvo: This website has pronunciations from native speakers around the world. https://forvo.com/word/remarkably/
  • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce remarkably" – you'll find many helpful videos.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (This can help me understand what sounds might be difficult for you.)
  • What's your current level of English pronunciation? (Beginner, intermediate, advanced?)

Usage and examples with the word remarkably in English

Let's break down how to use "remarkably" effectively in English. It's a great word, but it needs to be used thoughtfully to sound natural and impactful.

1. Core Meaning:

  • Remarkably means "in a way that is worthy of attention; surprisingly good or impressive." It conveys that something stands out due to its quality, unexpectedness, or thoroughness.

2. Typical Uses:

  • Describing Quality/Performance: This is the most common use.

    • "She sang remarkably well." (meaning she sang exceptionally well)
    • "The car handled remarkably smoothly." (meaning it drove exceptionally smoothly)
    • "He solved the problem remarkably quickly." (meaning he solved it with impressive speed)
    • "The painting is remarkably detailed." (meaning it has a high degree of intricate detail)

  • Highlighting Unexpectedness: It can emphasize that something defied expectations.

    • "It's remarkably quiet here for a Saturday night." (contrasting with what you might expect)
    • “Surprisingly, she remembered all the details remarkably well.” (emphasizing the unexpectedness of her memory)

  • Expressing Admiration: Generally, it's used to show you're impressed.

    • “That's a remarkably clever solution!”
    • "He behaved remarkably calmly under pressure."

3. Grammar and Usage:

  • Adverb: "Remarkably" is always an adverb. It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. You cannot use it as an adjective.

    • Incorrect: "He is a remarkably singer."
    • Correct: "He sings remarkably well."

  • Placement: It usually goes after the word it modifies.

    • "The building is remarkably tall." (Correct)
    • "The building remarkably tall." (Incorrect)

4. Alternatives & When to Consider Them:

While "remarkably" is useful, here are some words that can sometimes convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances:

  • Surprisingly: Good for emphasizing the unexpected aspect. ("Surprisingly, he agreed.")
  • Astonishingly: Stronger than "remarkably," suggesting a higher degree of surprise. ("Astonishingly, she won the lottery.")
  • Exceptionally: Focuses on being above average. ("He played exceptionally well.")
  • Notably: Highlights something deserving of attention. ("She is notably intelligent.")
  • Truly: Adds emphasis to sincerity and genuineness. ("He is truly a remarkable man.")

5. Examples in Sentences:

  • "The chef's presentation of the dish was remarkably creative."
  • "His dedication to the project was remarkably impressive."
  • "The library has remarkably extensive collection of rare books."
  • “The sunset was remarkably beautiful—a wash of orange and pink across the sky.”
  • “He responded remarkably calmly to the difficult questions.”

6. Tips for Using it Well:

  • Don’t overuse it: Like many strong adjectives and adverbs, using "remarkably" too often can make your writing sound repetitive. Choose your moments carefully.
  • Combine with specific details: Instead of just saying “remarkably good,” try to explain why it's remarkable. “She distinguished herself remarkably through her insightful analysis and meticulous research.”

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., creative writing, academic paper, email, casual conversation)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're trying to improve where you're considering using "remarkably"?

Synonyms for the word remarkably

Practice with vocabulary remarkably

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The newly developed algorithm processes data with an efficiency that is truly ___________________________ compared to previous versions.
  2. Although facing numerous technical challenges, the engineering team delivered the prototype ___________________________ on time.
  3. The committee decided to postpone the vote, ___________________________ due to concerns about a lack of consensus among members.
  4. After years of consistent effort in research and development, the company's market share has grown ___________________________ in the tech sector.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The CEO's negotiation skills are considered ___________________________ effective in securing beneficial partnerships. A. subtly B. remarkably C. impressively D. gradually

  2. Despite the economic downturn, the startup's revenue increased ___________________________ last quarter. A. barely B. surprisingly C. remarkably D. significantly

  3. The research findings presented a ___________________________ clear correlation between the two variables, exceeding initial expectations. A. commonly B. astonishingly C. profoundly D. remarkably

  4. The new security protocols will be implemented ___________________________ across all departments to ensure consistent compliance. A. consistently B. sporadically C. erratically D. accidentally

  5. The team's success was ___________________________ due to their innovative approach and dedicated effort, rather than external factors. A. consequently B. primarily C. deeply D. barely

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The project was finished much earlier than anyone expected, which was a great achievement for the entire team. Rewrite using "remarkably":

  2. Original: Her ability to analyze complex financial data quickly and accurately is something very impressive. Rewrite using "remarkably":

  3. Original: The CEO stressed that the company needed to make significant improvements in customer service to stay competitive in the market. Rewrite (do NOT use "remarkably", but a suitable replacement word):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The newly developed algorithm processes data with an efficiency that is truly remarkably compared to previous versions.
  2. Although facing numerous technical challenges, the engineering team delivered the prototype remarkably on time.
  3. The committee decided to postpone the vote, primarily due to concerns about a lack of consensus among members.
  4. After years of consistent effort in research and development, the company's market share has grown significantly in the tech sector.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The CEO's negotiation skills are considered B. remarkably, C. impressively effective in securing beneficial partnerships.
  2. Despite the economic downturn, the startup's revenue increased B. surprisingly, C. remarkably, D. significantly last quarter.
  3. The research findings presented a B. astonishingly, D. remarkably clear correlation between the two variables, exceeding initial expectations.
  4. The new security protocols will be implemented A. consistently across all departments to ensure consistent compliance.
  5. The team's success was B. primarily due to their innovative approach and dedicated effort, rather than external factors.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The project was finished much earlier than anyone expected, which was a great achievement for the entire team. Rewrite using "remarkably": The project was remarkably finished ahead of schedule, which was a great achievement for the entire team. (Alternative: The project achieved a remarkably early finish, which was a great achievement for the entire team.)

  2. Original: Her ability to analyze complex financial data quickly and accurately is something very impressive. Rewrite using "remarkably": Her ability to analyze complex financial data quickly and accurately is remarkably impressive. (Alternative: She remarkably analyzes complex financial data quickly and accurately.)

  3. Original: The CEO stressed that the company needed to make significant improvements in customer service to stay competitive in the market. Rewrite (do NOT use "remarkably", but a suitable replacement word): The CEO stressed that the company needed to make substantial improvements in customer service to stay competitive in the market. (Alternative: ...make considerable improvements...)

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