highly developed
10
3.9
- adjective
- /ˈhaɪli dɪˈvɛləpt/
- In other words, these Irish settled in a highly developed society in which they were definitely a minority.
- the most highly developed
- highly developed society
- highly developed system
Examples
-
While the literature on organic religion is now highly developed, that on programmatic religion is much less so.
Academic text (2002) -
Interestingly, this relationship is found only among the more highly developed and older societies of Latin America.
Academic text (1995) -
Clearly, citizens of the future will require a highly developed understanding of the costs and benefits associated with international trade.
Academic text (1992) -
I would say that in a lot of the Latin American nations, a number have very highly developed legal systems.
Academic text (2000) -
Japan is much more highly developed than Russia, enjoying particular strength.
Academic text (2001) -
Unfortunately, each of these approaches appears to be inadequate even in highly developed nations.
Academic text (2011) -
Responsible Care and ISO 14001 grew out of large businesses where management skills are highly developed.
Academic text (1997) -
Air defense systems are sophisticated, hi-tech arrangements only possessed by advanced and highly developed societies.
Academic text (2015) -
The Italians' understanding of Pentecostal theology was not highly developed, nor, prior to 1927, codified in any formal sense.
Academic text (2000) -
Many technological innovations are created in highly developed countries, where research and funding are abundant.
Synonyms
393
4.0
At a very high level of skill, knowledge, or development
238
6.8
A machine or system with many advanced parts and careful design
189
3.9
Using very new electronic and computer equipment
70
2.7
A country with a strong industry and a high standard of living
41
4.0
A country or area with many factories that make goods
Antonyms
How Developed
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and transparently derived from combining 'highly' (extremely/to a great extent) with 'developed' (advanced); 'highly' functions as an intensifier of the adjective 'developed', so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer the phrase refers to something very advanced. This is a common, regular adjectival collocation found across languages and follows standard composition patterns, making it immediately comprehensible.
Etymology
Highly developed gives a simple image: highly means 'very' and developed means 'grown' or 'built' with many parts. So imagine a place with many schools, factories, and modern technology. That's why highly developed describes a society or country with advanced industry, economy, and technology.