Definition

In a very ugly or unpleasant way; extremely.

Example

The monster looked hideously deformed, frightening everyone who saw it.

Conversation

Did you see that new painting at the gallery?

Yeah, I thought it was hideously colorful!

Exactly! It was so overwhelming to look at.

I agree, some art can be beautiful, but that one was just too much.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hideously → It is formed from "hideous" (from Old French *hideus*, meaning frightful or horrible) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "hideously" means in a manner that is frightful or horrible.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'frightful' ('hideous') and how it is done 'in a manner' ('-ly'). This helps you remember that 'hideously' describes something done in a frightful way.

Visually Confused Words