Dirtily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dirtily

[ˈdəːtɪli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a dirty manner

In a way that is unclean, impure, or soiled. This adverb is used to describe actions or behavior that involves dirt, filth, or contamination.

Synonyms

filthily, grimily, uncleanly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dirtily	Used to describe actions or conditions characterized by dirt or grime, generally informal. The mechanic worked dirtily, with oil and grease covering his hands She looked at her child who was playing dirtily in the mud
filthily	Describes something extremely dirty, often with a negative connotation, used for particularly gross or unhygienic conditions. The abandoned house was filthily kept, with trash and grime everywhere He hadn't cleaned his room in months, and it was filthily cluttered
uncleanly	Refers to actions or habits that lack cleanliness, often implying a breach of hygiene or sanitation. A more formal or clinical term. Living uncleanly can lead to serious health problems The kitchen was kept uncleanly, attracting pests
grimily	Specifically describes a surface or object covered with grime, suggesting a layer of dirt that is oily or sticky. The factory worker's clothes were grimily stained after a long day The windows were grimily covered, making it hard to see outside

Examples of usage

He touched the food dirtily with his unwashed hands.
She looked at him dirtily, with suspicion in her eyes.
The clothes were dirtily stained from working in the garden all day.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Usage

In many cultures, being described as 'dirty' usually implies moral or ethical implications, beyond physical cleanliness.
The term has been used in various popular songs to convey rebellious themes or suggestive content.
In literature, 'dirty' often symbolizes corruption, with characters depicted as engaging in morally questionable actions.

Psychology

Research indicates that the perception of 'dirtiness' can trigger feelings of discomfort or aversion, often linked to social norms.
Using the term to describe behavior can affect how individuals are perceived, suggesting a lack of integrity.
Psychologists study how feelings of being 'dirty' can influence behavior, leading to either attempts to rectify the situation or deeper moral dilemmas.

Environmental Context

In environmental discussions, 'dirtily' can describe actions adversely impacting nature, highlighting unsustainable practices.
Pollution and soil degradation are often discussed in terms of human actions that take place 'dirtily,' affecting ecosystems.
Sustainable practices aim to reduce 'dirty' actions, promoting cleaner methods that benefit the planet.

Sociolinguistics

Dialectical variations may use 'dirtily' or similar forms differently, revealing cultural attitudes towards cleanliness.
Slang and colloquial expressions often adopt 'dirty' connotations, shaping the language used in different social groups.
The perception of 'dirty' varies significantly across societies, affecting how language evolves to express disapproval or malfeasance.

Origin of 'dirtily'

Main points about word origin

The word 'dirtily' comes from the base word 'dirt,' which historically refers to anything unclean or soil.
Its roots can be traced back to Old English 'deor' and 'dyrstan,' meaning ‘dirty’ or ‘filthy’.
The suffix '-ly' is commonly added to adjectives in English to create adverbs, indicating the manner of an action.

The word 'dirtily' is derived from the adjective 'dirty', which dates back to the 16th century. The suffix '-ly' is added to the base word 'dirt' to form the adverb 'dirtily'. The concept of dirt and cleanliness has been a significant aspect of human civilization, with various cultural perceptions and practices associated with it.