meaning of "way up"

[min kin]

English Idioms and Expressions, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #16 "Way Idioms", question 3

Every investor is really pleased because profits are way up this year.

(a) have gone up some
(b) have gone up gradually
(c) have gone up moderately
(d) have gone up hugely

English Idioms and Expressions, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #16 "Way Idioms", answer 3

Every investor is really pleased because profits have gone up hugely this year.

Correct answer: (d) have gone up hugely
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Dear,

I thought that way up means:
to rise in rank, promotion, or to be promoted.
therefore, I chose the answer B, have gone up graduall.

Please tell me what the mean of way up.

min kin

[Mister Micawber]

.
'Way' is an adverb meaning 'to a great degree or by a great distance; very much'.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber