/ ˈhɒtli; NAmE ˈhɑːtli/ adverb
1.
done in an angry or excited way or with a lot of strong feeling :
a hotly debated topic
Recent reports in the press have been hotly denied.
'Nonsense!' he said hotly.
The results were hotly disputed.
2.
done with a lot of energy and determination
SYN closely :
hotly contested elections
She ran out of the shop, hotly pursued by the store detective.