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Harmlessly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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harmlessly

[หˆhษ‘หmlesli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a safe manner

In a manner that does not cause harm or damage.

Synonyms

innocently, safely, without harm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
harmlessly

Use when referring to an action or situation that does not cause any damage or injury. It's often used to signify that something poses no danger.

  • The prank was meant to be funny and ended harmlessly with everyone laughing
safely

Use when you want to emphasize that something is done in a manner that avoids danger or risk. It's a common choice for instructions or guidelines.

  • He crossed the street safely by using the pedestrian crossing and looking both ways
innocently

Use when describing someone acting in a way that shows they mean no harm and have no intention of causing trouble. It often implies naivety or lack of awareness.

  • She looked at him innocently, unaware of the misunderstanding she had caused
without harm

Use in situations where you want to state explicitly that no damage or injury has occurred as a result of an action. It's often used in more formal contexts.

  • The animals were released back into the wild without harm after the research was completed

Examples of usage

  • He smiled harmlessly at the children playing in the park.
  • She innocently and harmlessly asked about his day.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, creating a 'harmless' environment is crucial for fostering trust and creativity.
  • Research shows that a non-threatening atmosphere encourages open communication and vulnerability.

Environment

  • Many harmless substances are used in eco-friendly products to protect nature, like biodegradable cleaning agents.
  • Understanding what is harmless is important for wildlife conservation, ensuring that habitats are not disrupted.

Literature

  • Harmless characters often appear in children's books, teaching lessons about kindness through safe and friendly interactions.
  • In poetry, 'harmlessly' can evoke serene imagery, reflecting peace and tranquility.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures view certain actions as harmless depending on context, such as playful teasing which might be acceptable in some social settings.
  • Festivals often have harmless traditions like throwing flour or colors, symbolizing joy without malice.

Origin of 'harmlessly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'harmless' comes from Old English, with 'harm' meaning injury and '-less' indicating without.
  • It has been used in the English language since the late 14th century, evolving through Middle English forms.

The word 'harmlessly' is derived from the word 'harmless', which dates back to the late 14th century. The suffix '-ly' is added to form the adverb 'harmlessly', indicating the manner in which an action is performed without causing any harm. Over the years, the word has been used to describe actions that are innocuous, safe, and without malicious intent.

See also: harmlessness.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,056, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.