Cloudily: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to weather conditions where the sky is covered with clouds but it doesn't necessarily mean it's dark or raining. It can also refer to something that is not clear or transparent.

• The sky was cloudily grey in the morning.
• He spoke cloudily about his plans for the future.

Less commonly used, but it can describe the way in which something is covered or overshadowed by clouds.

• The village was lying overcastly under the grey sky.

Often describes a mood or atmosphere of sadness or depression. It can also be used to describe a dull, overcast day, but it carries a more negative connotation.

• She gazed gloomily out the window, lost in thought.
• The city appeared gloomily quiet under the heavy clouds.

Used to describe weather conditions when the sky is covered with clouds, or metaphorically to describe a situation or mind that is murky or not clear.

• The sky was cloudily overcast, promising rain later in the day.
• She looked at him cloudily, her thoughts muddled and unclear.

Indicates a lack of precision or detail. It often suggests a general sense without specifics. Can also imply a poor memory of something.

• She mentioned a vaguely defined goal for the project, but it wasn't very helpful.
• I vaguely remember meeting him at the party, but I can't recall his name.

Applied to a way of speaking or writing that is hard to understand. Often implies that the communication is confusing or lacking detail.

• The instructions were given unclearly, so no one knew what to do.
• He explained his plan unclearly, leaving everyone in the room puzzled.