desperately

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   in intense despair

   The child clung desperately to their parent.

2. 2
   adv

   In a desperate manner; without regard to danger or safety; recklessly.

   She desperately grabbed at the nearby branches as she heard the branch she was standing on start to snap.

3. 3
   adv

   extremely

   The race for silver medal was desperately close, they needed a photo finish to separate the runners.

4. 4
   adv

   with great urgency

Etymology

From desperate + -ly.