suddenly

Definition

Happening quickly and with little or no warning; in a sudden manner.

Etymology

From Middle English sodenly, sodeynly, sodeinliche, sodaynlyche; equivalent to sudden + -ly.

Example Sentences

• "Suddenly, the heavens opened and we all got drenched."
• "They've suddenly decided to sell the house."
• "The king before he would take his voyage, sent the Erle of Huntyngdon to ſerche and ſcowre the Seas, leaſt any Frenchmen lyeng in wayte for him might attrap him sodeinly, or he had any knowledge of their ſetting forward."