duly
Americanadverb
-
in a proper or fitting manner
-
at the proper time; punctually
Etymology
Origin of duly
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English duelich(e); see due, -ly
Explanation
When you put in a lot of overtime hours at your job, you assume you'll be duly paid. Duly means "properly" or "appropriately." When something is done duly, it's expected, and it's considered proper or right. If someone gives a great speech, you expect that he'll be duly applauded for it. The word due is at the root of duly, and it comes from the Old French word deu, or "to owe." Something that is duly given can also be said to be owed. Be careful not to confuse duly, which rhymes with the name "Julie," with dully, "without liveliness."
Vocabulary lists containing duly
Animal Farm
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"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson
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13th Amendment (1865)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Duly inspired, the Springboks, after pedestrian wins over Japan and Wales in previous rounds, swept past England to win the Rugby World Cup final 32-12.
From BBC • Nov. 26, 2022
Duly dug and planted this fall, these perennial bulbs will energize the garden for years to come.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 1, 2022
Duly impressed by her performance, a representative from EMI publishing arranged for her to meet the late Bruce Lundvall, then president of Blue Note.
From Salon • Apr. 30, 2022
Duly impressed by Bushell’s mad skills, Grohl invited her to join the Foo Fighters on tour as soon as live shows could safely resume amid the public health crisis.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 27, 2021
Duly Pilgrim says that the Universe does not look like a lot of bright little dots to the creatures from Tralfamadore.
From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
