Adverbs exist to provide greater description to verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. You've probably spotted them before by their -ly ending, although they don't have to end in -ly. Painfully is an adverb in the same way perhaps is an adverb. Without pause, let's pleasantly dive into 50 of the most popular adverbs that start P.
50 Adverbs Starting With P
Here's a list of 50 of the most common P-adverbs. Beside them is a precisely petite definition, as well as a few synonyms:
Adverb | Definition | Synonym |
in a manner that hurts | achingly, sorely, tortuously | |
in an incomplete manner | incompletely, moderately, somewhat | |
something of a greater degree than is common | specifically, especially, notably | |
not completely | comparatively, halfway, partially | |
in manner that shows strong feelings or emotions | intensely, lovingly, fervidly | |
in a manner that shows tolerance for delays or problems without becoming annoyed | calmly, meekly, tolerantly | |
in a calm, non-violent, or friendly manner | tranquilly, quietly, calmly | |
in a manner that could not be better | absolutely, flawlessly, totally | |
possibly or maybe | conceivably, feasibly, likely | |
something done occasionally | regularly, repeatedly, systematically | |
in a manner that will last for all time | enduringly, lastingly, forever | |
in one's own opinion; speaking for oneself | individually, subjectively, mentally | |
in a manner relating to the body | corporally, bodily, materially | |
able to be perceived easily | obviously, clearly, simply | |
in a manner that is agreeable, enjoyable, or likable | agreeably, charmingly, cheerfully | |
used in polite requests or questions | kindly, generously, sympathetically | |
in a manner that exhibits consideration for others | thoughtfully, considerately, agreeably | |
in a manner that related to the government | nationally, governmentally, publicly | |
in a manner that is considered inadequate | unsatisfactorily, badly, inadequately | |
in a manner that expresses optimism or agreement | absolutely, definitely, emphatically | |
by chance; in some way | haply, maybe, probably | |
with the possibility of happening in a given way | conceivably, likely, possibly | |
in a manner that has a lot of strength, authority, or force | effectively, energetically, forcefully | |
very nearly | almost, basically, essentially | |
in exact terms; without vagueness | exactly, specifically, accurately | |
in a manner that can be expected or anticipated | certainly, expectedly, surely | |
for the most part | mostly, mainly, chiefly | |
in an ideal way | alternatively, willingly | |
too soon; too early | precipitately, early, too soon | |
something that is going on right now | currently, immediately, shortly | |
used to convey what is very likely | apparently, likely, probably | |
fairly or somewhat | tolerably, moderately, rather | |
at an earlier time | already, formerly, before | |
for the most part | generally, primarily, originally | |
for the most part | primarily, mainly, chiefly | |
used to refer to a situation in which someone's thoughts and feelings are not disclosed to others | secretly, inwardly, personally | |
so as to look or plan ahead | ardently, eagerly, zealously | |
likely to happen | feasibly, presumably, supposedly | |
in a manner appropriate to a working person | competently, efficiently, skillfully | |
to an extreme extent | significantly, meaningfully, importantly | |
in stages | steadily, regularly, increasingly | |
in a manner that is very noticeable | notably, conspicuously, markedly | |
done without delay | immediately, quickly, hastily | |
in a manner that is appropriate for the circumstances | correctly, fitly, suitably | |
with a feeling of satisfaction in one's achievements | boastfully, arrogantly, haughtily | |
in a manner that relates to a person's emotional state | mentally, intellectually, theoretically | |
something done or said in an open place | candidly, honestly, openly | |
in a manner that is unmixed with anything else | absolutely, completely, totally | |
in a manner that demonstrates determination or resolve | deliberately, freely, wittingly | |
on purpose; intentionally | consciously, deliberately, knowingly |
For even more adverbs to add to your lexicon, check out this List of 100 Adverbs!
What, Particularly, Is an Adverb?
Did you spot the adverb in the heading? "What Is an Adverb?" would've been perfectly fine (and, perhaps, a little less verbose). But, from time to time, adverbs can step in and provide more information for our verbs.
Although adverbs typically work alongside verbs, they're not strictly tied to them. They can also modify adjectives and other adverbs. A great way to spot adverbs is to look for words that end in -ly. Examples from the above list include "personally" and "possibly."
Let's take a closer look at what, principally, adverbs aim to do:
- Adverbs Tell How It Happened: Adverbs like "progressively" describe how something was done.
- Adverbs Tell Where It Happened: Adverbs like "publicly" describe the location of where something happened.
- Adverbs Tell When It Happened: Adverbs like "presently" describe when something took place.
- Adverbs Tell the Extent of an Action: Adverbs like "practically" describe the extent to which something did or did not happen.
For more on how adverbs work to intensify the meaning behind other words, check out these Examples of Adverbs.
10 Example Sentences
Ready to take a promenade down a pathway lined with P-adverbs? Here are 10 sample sentences featuring adverbs that start with P.
- Peter's payment is partially complete.
- Penelope was particularly pleased to receive her new skirt and shoes.
- He passionately preached this Sunday's message.
- Paul will go to the mall periodically, if there's no other option.
- Priscilla has moved permanently to Argentina.
- The peonies pleasantly swayed in the breeze.
- Ever since that day, his demeanor has profoundly changed.
- The students properly lined themselves up for recess.
- Granny proudly displayed Keisha's high school diploma on her wall.
- She purposefully removed the name plate from her door.
Be Particular With Your Adverbs
As you pleasantly peruse your lists of adverbs, remember to be particular. Choose them wisely because seasoned writers know not to inundate their writing with too many bulky -ly verbs. Instead, opt for a unique verb, one that doesn't require modification.
Alas, don't let that deter you from pondering our lists of "Adverbs That Start With…" Start all the way back at A and let the journey unfold. You never know when you might need to pop in the occasional adverb into your next short story or poem.