astronomically

IPA/ˌæstrəˈnɒmɪkli/
KK[ˌæstrənˈɑmɪkli]IPA/ˌæstrəˈnɑːmɪkli/

astronomically — adverb

1. to a degree that seems unbelievably large, especially with numbers, prices, or d

1.adverbC1
Definition

to a degree that seems unbelievably large, especially with numbers, prices, or distances.

Example

Apartment prices in Taipei have risen astronomically over the past decade.

pattern: rise + astronomically

The club paid astronomically high wages to keep its star striker.

astronomically + high

Common collocations
  • astronomically high
  • astronomically expensive
  • astronomically large
  • rise astronomically
Synonyms
  • enormously

    more neutral and broader; it is not as dramatic or number-focused

  • hugely

    more conversational and less formal in tone

  • prohibitively

    narrower; stresses that a high cost prevents action

Antonyms
  • slightly

    by only a small amount

  • marginally

    by a very small degree, often in statistics or reports

Grammar Patterns

astronomically + high / expensive / large

rise / grow + astronomically

Usage Note

Often used figuratively with prices, amounts, odds, or distances. It usually modifies an adjective or a verb of increase rather than standing alone.

Common Mistakes

The fee was astronomically.
The fee was astronomically high.
This adverb usually modifies an adjective or a quantity expression, not a noun by itself.

2. from the viewpoint of astronomy, or by using the methods of that science.

2.adverbC2
Definition

from the viewpoint of astronomy, or by using the methods of that science.

Example

Researchers astronomically dated the stone circle by tracking the winter solstice.

pattern: astronomically + dated

The guide explained the eclipse astronomically, not through old village stories.

contrast: scientific explanation

Common collocations
  • astronomically dated
  • astronomically aligned
  • astronomically calculated
  • explain astronomically
Synonyms
  • scientifically

    broader; can refer to any branch of science, not specifically astronomy

  • cosmologically

    narrower and more theoretical; focuses on the universe as a whole

Grammar Patterns

astronomically + dated / aligned / calculated

explain / compare + astronomically

Usage Note

Usually appears in academic or technical discussion rather than daily conversation. It often contrasts a scientific account with a mythic, religious, or symbolic one.

Common Mistakes

The astronauts floated astronomically above Earth.
The astronauts floated in space above Earth.
Here 'astronomically' means 'from the viewpoint of astronomy', not simply 'in outer space'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

'Astronomically' suggests numbers so huge that they almost stop feeling real, and it often appears with prices, costs, salaries, or distances. 'Enormously' is the most neutral of the three and can describe size, effect, or amount without extra drama. 'Hugely' is more conversational and lighter in tone, so it fits speech and casual writing more easily. 'Prohibitively' is narrower: it does not simply say that something is very expensive, but that the price prevents action. A concert ticket can be astronomically expensive and still sell out; a fee that is prohibitively high stops many people from paying. You might say that house prices rose astronomically, that a singer is enormously popular, or that tuition is prohibitively expensive for many families.

enormously ↗hugely ↗prohibitively ↗

Etymology

GreekLatinEnglish

Built from 'astronomy' plus the adjective ending '-ical' and the adverb ending '-ly'. 'Astronomy' reached English through Latin from Greek words meaning 'star' and 'arrangement or law'. Because of that history, the older sense means 'in terms of astronomy'. The later figurative sense grew from the idea of numbers so vast that they feel as distant and immense as the stars.