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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
13th Amendment (1865)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
The jury duly found for Archer and he was awarded £500,000 in damages.
From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026
When quizzed by the organisers, the miscreants confessed that they had sanded them into a better shape - and were duly disqualified.
From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026
After an hour-long search, documents did emerge from beneath the silt -- but they belonged to a neighbour and were duly returned.
From Barron's ● Aug. 30, 2026
Willing duly forwarded Howe’s offer to the Continental Congress.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026
Eril-Fane had been duly impressed, and had agreed to Ebliz Tod’s every demand in order to woo him to Weep.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions 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.
