adverb

wickedly

wickedly, maliciously, extremely

He smiled wickedly at his opponent.

He smiled wickedly at his opponent.

The test was wickedly difficult.

The test was wickedly difficult.

((modifies a verb)) in an evil or malicious way He smiled wickedly.

((modifies an adjective)) extremely or very (informal) The test was wickedly difficult.

Synonyms: maliciously, evilly, sinfully; Antonyms: virtuously, kindly

From 'wicked' + the adverb-forming suffix '-ly'. 'Wicked' itself comes from Old English 'wicca' (witch).

Picture a 'wicked witch' from a fairy tale acting in a 'wickedly' evil manner.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.