-ly

American  

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.

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-ly ¹ British  

suffix

1. having the nature or qualities of

   brotherly

   godly

2. occurring at certain intervals; every

   daily

   yearly

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-ly ² British  

suffix

1. in a certain manner; to a certain degree

   quickly

   recently

   chiefly

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ly ³ British  

abbreviation

1. Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

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Etymology

Origin of -ly

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

Example Sentences

Ly Yong Phat, who couldn’t be reached Tuesday, hasn’t publicly commented on the U.S. sanctions.

From The Wall Street Journal

The O'Smach resort and casino -- identified by Amnesty International as a scam compound -- was built by Cambodian conglomerate L.Y.P Group headed by Cambodian senator Ly Yong Phat.

From Barron's

The Treasury said at the time that the resort was owned by Cambodian senator and tycoon Ly Yong Phat.

From The Wall Street Journal

It imposed sanctions, a travel ban and an asset freeze on Ly Yong Phat.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ly Yong Phat, who couldn’t be reached Sunday, hasn’t publicly commented on the U.S. sanctions.

From The Wall Street Journal