-ly
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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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PUNCTUATION QUIZ
Punctuation marks help make writing easy to read and understand. Some of the most important ones are the period (.), comma (,), question mark (?), and exclamation point (!). How well do you know how to use them? Find out in this quiz!
Question 1 of 10
Which punctuation mark is best for this sentence? "Can I watch a movie __"
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
SYNONYMS FOR -ly
3 See -ish1.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for -ly (1 of 2)
-ly1
suffix forming adjectives
having the nature or qualities ofbrotherly; godly
occurring at certain intervals; everydaily; yearly
Word Origin for -ly
Old English -lic
British Dictionary definitions for -ly (2 of 2)
-ly2
suffix forming adverbs
in a certain manner; to a certain degreequickly; recently; chiefly
Word Origin for -ly
Old English -lice, from -lic -ly 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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