considerably

Everyday

1. Much, a lot, to a large degree: the weather is considerably warmer today. tree →
2. (formal) In a large and noticeable way: prices have risen considerably. tree →

In the lessons

A formal word in reports and exam questions, often with comparatives (considerably bigger, considerably less). In maths and science it signals a big difference between two amounts. Phrases: considerably more, considerably less, considerably larger, vary considerably.

Examples

• It is considerably colder in the mountains. tree →
• Her reading has improved considerably this term. tree →
• The second box is considerably heavier than the first. tree →
• (formal) Results vary considerably from class to class. tree →
• Prices have gone up considerably. tree →
• A blue whale is considerably larger than an elephant. tree →
• But the means by which that result is brought about differ considerably in different lands. tree →

Note

Adverb of considerable. It often goes before comparatives: considerably bigger. Not to be confused with considerately (kindly). It shows a big difference but not an exact one.