Suddenly Meaning and Definition
Suddenly
Pronunciation
/ˈsʌdpənli/
Part of Speech
Adverb
Definition
A sudden or unexpected event or change that happens quickly and unexpectedly, often catching one off guard.
Examples
- The bomb suddenly detonated, causing chaos in the city.
- She suddenly realized she had lost her phone.
Synonyms
- Unexpectedly
- Surprisingly
Antonyms
- Expectedly
- Predictably
Etymology
The word “suddenly” comes from the Old English words “sud” meaning “short” and “lic” meaning “ly”, meaning “in a short or sudden manner”.
Usage Notes
Suddenly can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from unexpected events to sudden discoveries. It’s often used to add emphasis to the suddenness of an event.
Cultural References
Suddenly has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. For example, the phrase “Suddenly, last summer” becomes a famous phrase from a Tennessee Williams play.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Out of the blue
- Like a bolt out of the blue
Related Words or Phrases
- Unexpected
- Surprising
- Unforeseen
Collocations
- Something suddenly happens
- Suddenly, [something]
Frequency of Use
Suddenly is a relatively common adverb in modern language, especially in informal writing and conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Suudenly
- Suddently