Idly: meaning, definitions and examples

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idly

 

[ ˈaɪdli ]

Context #1

South Indian cuisine

Idly is a steamed cake made from fermented rice and lentil batter. It is a popular breakfast item in South India.

Synonyms

South Indian breakfast item, steamed cake

Examples of usage

  • I love having idly with coconut chutney for breakfast.
  • Idly is often served with sambar and chutney as a traditional South Indian meal.
Context #2

Informal usage

Idly is used informally to mean without any action or purpose.

Synonyms

inactively, without purpose

Examples of usage

  • He was idly scrolling through his phone without any real interest.
  • She sat idly by, watching the world go by.

Translations

Translations of the word "idly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ociosamente

🇮🇳 आलसी

🇩🇪 müßig

🇮🇩 dengan santai

🇺🇦 байдуже

🇵🇱 bezczynnie

🇯🇵 何もしないで

🇫🇷 paresseusement

🇪🇸 ociosamente

🇹🇷 boş boş

🇰🇷 게으르게

🇸🇦 بكسل

🇨🇿 nečinně

🇸🇰 nečinne

🇨🇳 无所事事地

🇸🇮 lenobno

🇮🇸 letilega

🇰🇿 жалқаулықпен

🇬🇪 ზარმაცად

🇦🇿 tənbəl-tənbəl

🇲🇽 ociosamente

Word origin

The word 'idly' originated from the Tamil word 'இட்லி' (iṭli). It is believed to have been derived from 'iṭṭu' meaning 'to heap' in Tamil, referring to the steamed cake-like shape of idly. Idly is a traditional South Indian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries and has now become popular worldwide.

See also: idle, idleness, idler.