idly
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English[edit]
Alternative forms[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From Middle English idely, ydelly, idelliche, from Old English īdellīċe, equivalent to idle + -ly.
Pronunciation[edit]
Adverb[edit]
idly (comparative more idly, superlative most idly)
- Without specific purpose, intent or effort. [from 9th c.]
- I idly played with the paper, not even realizing I was folding it into a paper airplane.
- In an idle manner. [from 14th c.]
Derived terms[edit]
Translations[edit]
In an idle manner.
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Without specific purpose, intent or effort.
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References[edit]
- James A. H. Murray [et al.], editors (1884–1928), “Idly”, in A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles (Oxford English Dictionary), volume V (H–K), London: Clarendon Press, →OCLC, page 24, column 2.
Anagrams[edit]
Categories:
- English terms inherited from Middle English
- English terms derived from Middle English
- English terms inherited from Old English
- English terms derived from Old English
- English terms suffixed with -ly (adverbial)
- English terms with audio links
- English 3-syllable words
- English terms with IPA pronunciation
- English lemmas
- English adverbs
- English terms with usage examples