idly

English

Alternative forms

• idlely (obsolete)
• idlily (rare)

Etymology

From Middle English idely, ydelly, idelliche, from Old English īdellīċe, equivalent to idle +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• IPA^(key): /ˈaɪd(ə)lɪ/

Adverb

idly (comparative more idly, superlative most idly)

1. 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.

2. In an idle manner. [from 14th c.]

Derived terms

• sit idly by

Translations

In an idle manner.

• Middle English: ydelly
• Polish: bezczynnie (pl)

Without specific purpose, intent or effort.

• Middle English: ydelly

References

• 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

• idyl, ylid