The word "wildly" is spelled with the phonemes /w/, /aɪ/, /l/, /d/, and /li/. The first sound, /w/, is a voiced bilabial glide. The second sound, /aɪ/, is a diphthong consisting of the vowel /a/ and the glide /ɪ/. The third sound, /l/, is a voiced alveolar lateral approximant. The fourth sound, /d/, is a voiced alveolar plosive, and the final sound, /li/, is pronounced like the word "lee" and is an adverb-forming suffix. Together, these sounds create the word "wildly", which means in a manner that is unrestrained or uncontrolled.
The adverb "wildly" is used to describe something that is done or happening in an uncontrolled, unrestrained, or chaotic manner. It is generally employed to convey a sense of extreme or excessive behavior, emotions, or actions.
When referring to emotions or feelings, "wildly" suggests that they are expressed with intensity and lack any semblance of restraint or moderation. For example, one might describe someone as wildly happy if they are exhibiting exuberant joy without inhibitions. Conversely, someone may be wildly angry if they are displaying uncontrollable rage or fury.
In terms of actions, "wildly" denotes behaviors undertaken with haste, impulsiveness, or lack of discipline. For instance, a crowd could be described as wildly cheering if they are loudly and enthusiastically expressing their approval. Similarly, if a person dances wildly, it implies that their movements are unregulated, exuberant, and possibly even erratic.
Furthermore, "wildly" can also describe something that is utterly unpredictable or disordered. In this context, it emphasizes a lack of control, organization, or conformity. For instance, a party might be described as wildly chaotic if it is loud, unruly, and lacks any structure or order.
Overall, "wildly" encapsulates the idea of being uncontrolled, exaggerated, or recklessly unrestrained, whether it pertains to emotions, actions, or situations.
With disorder; capriciously; heedlessly.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word wildly is derived from the adjective wild, which can be traced back to the Old English word wilde. In Old English, wilde originally meant untamed or not domesticated. It is believed to have developed from the Proto-Germanic root *wilthijaz, meaning wild or untamed, which itself is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *welt- implying a concept of running, rolling or turning. Over time, the meaning of wild expanded to include a sense of untamed behavior, intense emotions, or uncontrolled actions, which eventually led to the formation of the adverb wildly.