Awfully vs. Highly

Attribute	Awfully	Highly
Intensity	Very intense	Intense
Usage	Informal	Formal
Emphasis	Negative emphasis	Positive emphasis
Colloquialism	Commonly used in spoken language	Less commonly used in spoken language

Definition and Usage

Awfully and highly are both adverbs that are used to modify adjectives or other adverbs in a sentence. However, they have slightly different meanings and connotations. Awfully is often used to convey a sense of extreme negativity or unpleasantness, while highly is used to indicate a high degree or level of something.

Intensity

One of the key differences between awfully and highly is the level of intensity they convey. Awfully is typically used to emphasize a negative quality or experience, such as "awfully rude" or "awfully cold." It adds a sense of severity or extremity to the adjective it modifies. On the other hand, highly is used to indicate a positive quality or a high degree of something, such as "highly skilled" or "highly recommended." It conveys a sense of excellence or superiority.

Subjectivity

Another difference between awfully and highly is the subjective nature of their usage. Awfully is often considered more informal and colloquial, and can sometimes come across as overly dramatic or exaggerated. It is commonly used in spoken language and informal writing. In contrast, highly is more formal and neutral in tone. It is often used in professional or academic contexts to convey a sense of expertise or authority.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between awfully and highly:

• Awfully: "The weather was awfully cold, so we decided to stay indoors."
• Awfully: "She was awfully rude to the waiter, which made everyone uncomfortable."
• Highly: "He is highly respected in his field for his groundbreaking research."
• Highly: "The restaurant is highly recommended for its delicious food and excellent service."

Usage in Context

When deciding whether to use awfully or highly in a sentence, it is important to consider the context and tone of the writing. Awfully is best suited for informal or conversational language, where a sense of emotion or emphasis is desired. It can add a touch of personality or flair to the writing. On the other hand, highly is more appropriate for formal or professional writing, where a sense of objectivity and authority is needed. It can help to convey a sense of expertise or credibility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, awfully and highly are both useful adverbs that can add depth and nuance to a sentence. While they have some similarities in their function as modifiers, they differ in terms of intensity, subjectivity, and usage. Awfully is often used to emphasize negativity or unpleasantness, while highly is used to indicate excellence or superiority. By understanding the differences between these two adverbs, writers can choose the most appropriate word to convey their intended meaning and tone.