-ly

1. a suffix forming adverbs from adjectives: gladly; gradually; secondly.
2. a suffix meaning “every,” attached to certain nouns denoting units of time: hourly; daily.
3. an adjective suffix meaning “-like”: saintly; cowardly.

ly

¹

the internet domain name for

1. Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

-ly

²

suffix forming adverbs

1. in a certain manner; to a certain degree

   quickly

   chiefly

   recently

-ly

³

suffix forming adjectives

1. having the nature or qualities of

   brotherly

   godly

2. occurring at certain intervals; every

   daily

   yearly

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ly¹

Middle English adverb -li, -lich(e), Old English -līce ( -līc adjective suffix + -e adverb suffix); Middle English adjective -li, -ly, -lich(e), Old English -līc (cognate with German -lich ), suffixal use of gelīc “similar to, like”; like ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ly¹

Old English -lice, from -lic -ly ¹

Origin of -ly²

Old English -lic

Example Sentences

The economy boomed rapid[ly], so my life was getting better and better all the time.

From The Daily Beast

Fortunately, and oh so Nora-ly, she planned her own memorial service before she went.

From The Daily Beast

But my faver says it's un-man-ly to be always kissing, and I did n't fink you'd do vat, Coppy.

From Project Gutenberg

To liggen, to lie, is a Northern form; I alter liggen to ly, which occurs in the next line.

From Project Gutenberg

"Prob'ly some old scissor bills that got a notion of hangin' on to their land," Scattergood said.

From Project Gutenberg

I'd everlastin'ly seva' th' connections between that gentleman an' these here Ozarks.

From Project Gutenberg

Ef he done kilt dat woman, de white folks goin' to git him sho'ly—sho'ly.

From Project Gutenberg