Archly: meaning, definitions and examples

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archly

 

[ หˆรคrklฤ“ ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

manner of speaking

Archly is used to describe a manner of speaking or behaving that is playful, mischievous, or teasing. It often implies a level of cleverness or cunning in the way something is said or done. The term can indicate a certain slyness or a deliberate effort to provoke a response, often with a hint of irony or sarcasm. When someone speaks archly, they may be suggesting something beneath the surface, inviting others to read between the lines.

Synonyms

cunningly, playfully, slyly, teasingly

Examples of usage

  • She smiled archly at the joke.
  • He delivered his criticism archly, leaving everyone unsure of his true feelings.
  • The comment was made archly, hinting at something deeper.
  • They exchanged archly glances during the meeting.

Translations

Translations of the word "archly" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น de maneira astuta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเคพเคฒเคพเค•เฅ€ เคธเฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช listig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ dengan licik

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั–ะดัั‚ัƒะฟะฝะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ podstฤ™pnie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็‹ก็Œพใซ (ใ“ใ†ใ‹ใคใซ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท de maniรจre rusรฉe

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ astutamente

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kurnazca

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ตํ™œํ•˜๊ฒŒ (gyohwalhage)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุฐูƒุงุก ุฎุจูŠุซ (bidhaka khabith)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mazanฤ›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ mazanฤ›

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็‹ก็Œพๅœฐ (jiวŽohuรก de)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ prevarantsko

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sรฉrhรณfna

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ัƒะปั‹า›ะฟะตะฝ (qulyqpen)

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒœแƒกแƒแƒ™แƒฃแƒ—แƒ แƒ”แƒ‘แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜ (gansakutrebuli)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hiylษ™gษ™r

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ astutamente

Etymology

The word 'archly' derives from the adjective 'arch', which itself comes from the Middle English word 'arche', meaning 'chief' or 'principal'. The term has evolved to take on connotations of cunningness and playfulness. This transformation is reflected in its adverbial form, 'archly', which suggests a behavior marked by a sense of knowingness or playfulness that may have deeper implications. The usage of 'archly' has been documented in literature since the late 19th century, illustrating how writers have embraced its nuance to convey characters with wit or a mischievous edge. Over time, it has remained a descriptive term, often employed in literary contexts to enhance character dialogue or narrative tone.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,623 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.