adv
madly
MAD-lee
adv
1
In an extreme, intense, or uncontrolled way — often used with "in love".
"They fell madly in love within weeks of meeting."
"The dog ran madly around the garden chasing its tail."
2
In an angry or furious manner.
"He gestured madly at the referee after the missed call."
How to Use Madly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWildly, intensely, or furiously — most often heard in the phrase "madly in love".
Common pairings
madly in love
run around madly
Word Forms
madlier comparative, more madly comparative, madliest superlative, most madly superlative
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They fell _____ in love within weeks of meeting.
Etymology
From mad plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.