Old English healice "nobly, gloriously, honorably;" see high (adj.) + -ly (1). Meaning "very, very much, fully" is mid-14c.
does not think highly of his writing
He spoke highly of her
highly successful
highly paid workers
details known by only a few highly placed persons
high-heeled
highland
Highlander
highlight
highlighter
highly
high-minded
highness
high-pitched
high-powered
high-pressure
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