甚だ

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 甚だ(はなはだ) is an adverb expressing a very high degree.
• Basic usage: It appears in relatively formal sentences emphasizing inadequacy or feelings of regret.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Degree and register
  • 甚だ不十分だ is a strong judgment that something is extremely inadequate. It can sound more literary and formal than everyday とても.
• Expressing regret
  • 甚だ心苦しく思う means feeling deeply troubled or sorry. 甚だ itself does not mean an apology; it intensifies the feeling that follows.