-ly Hear it!

-ly1 definition

-ly (lē)

  1. like, characteristic of, suitable to manly, godly, deadly
  2. happening (once) every (specified period of time) hourly, monthly

Etymology: ME < OE -lic < Gmc *lika-, body > like

-ly2 definition

-ly (lē)

  1. in a (specified) manner or direction, to a (specified) extent, in or at a (specified) time or place haply, inwardly, merely
  2. in the (specified) order firstly, thirdly

Etymology: ME < OE -lice < -lic

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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