extremely; to the utmost; exceedingly
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesidiom
to be extremely; to the point of being extreme
informalModern usage emphasizes a high degree or intensity, often used humorously or exaggeratedly to describe a busy, chaotic, or extreme state. It originally meant 'is it not also a joy?' as a classical rhetorical question.
To prepare for this party, everyone is incredibly busy.
The children are playing with immense enjoyment at the amusement park.
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For this project, he works overtime to an extreme degree.
phrase
is it not also a joy?
archaicClassical Chinese usage from 'The Analects of Confucius', where it was a rhetorical question expressing affirmation, e.g., '学而时习之，不亦乐乎?' (Isn't it also a pleasure to learn and often practice?). This sense is now archaic in modern spoken language, primarily seen in classical contexts.
Isn't it also a joy when friends visit from afar?