-ly
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a suffix forming adverbs from adjectives: gladly; gradually; secondly.See Grammar note at adverb.
a suffix meaning “every,” attached to certain nouns denoting units of time: hourly; daily.
an adjective suffix meaning “-like”: saintly; cowardly.
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Nearby words
Origin of -ly
(adv.) Middle English -li, -lich(e), Old English -līce (-līc adj. suffix + -e adv. suffix); (adj.) Middle English -li, -ly, -lich(e), Old English -līc (cognate with German -lich), suffixal use of gelīc like1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
-ly
1suffix forming adjectives
having the nature or qualities ofbrotherly; godly
occurring at certain intervals; everydaily; yearly
Word Origin for -ly
Old English -lic
suffix forming adverbs
in a certain manner; to a certain degreequickly; recently; chiefly
Word Origin for -ly
Old English -lice, from -lic -ly 1
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