In a clearly noticeable or significant way; to a great degree. Used to emphasize the extent of difference or change.
From 'marked' (past participle of 'mark') plus adverbial suffix '-ly'. The sense of 'marked' as 'noticeable' developed from the literal meaning of being marked or signed, evolving to mean clearly distinguished or prominent.
Markedly does the linguistic heavy lifting when we need to emphasize not just that something is different, but dramatically so. It's the word that transforms 'better' into 'dramatically better' - adding both precision and rhetorical punch to comparisons.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.