Messily: meaning, definitions and examples

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messily

 

[ ˈmɛs.ɪ.li ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

in a disorganized or untidy manner

If something is done messily, it is done in a way that is not neat or tidy. It may involve spilling, scattering, or leaving things in disarray. The opposite of doing something messily is doing it neatly or tidily.

Synonyms

disorderly, haphazardly, untidily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
messily

Similar to 'messily,' it emphasizes a lack of neatness and a general state of disarray. This repetition likely was unintentional and can be merged with the initial 'messily' entry.

  • He painted the walls messily, with paint splatters everywhere.
  • The children played messily, leaving toys all over the floor.
untidily

This word is used for describing a state of being not neat or orderly. Commonly used for personal appearance, living spaces, and general maintenance.

  • She dressed untidily, with mismatched clothes and unkempt hair.
  • The garden was kept untidily, with weeds everywhere.
disorderly

Describes something that lacks order and can create confusion or chaos. Often used in more formal contexts or when describing behavior that disrupts normal operations.

  • The protest turned disorderly, leading to several arrests.
  • His desk was filled with disorderly piles of papers.
haphazardly

Relevant when something is done without any apparent plan, organization, or order, often implying randomness or a lack of thought.

  • Books were stacked haphazardly on the shelves.
  • She packed her suitcase haphazardly, forgetting many essential items.

Examples of usage

  • She scribbled messily on the paper.
  • He ate his dinner messily, with food all over his face.
  • The room was left messily with clothes strewn everywhere.

Translations

Translations of the word "messily" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bagunçadamente

🇮🇳 गंदे तरीके से

🇩🇪 unordentlich

🇮🇩 berantakan

🇺🇦 безладно

🇵🇱 niechlujnie

🇯🇵 散らかって

🇫🇷 en désordre

🇪🇸 desordenadamente

🇹🇷 dağınık bir şekilde

🇰🇷 어지럽게

🇸🇦 بشكل فوضوي

🇨🇿 nepořádně

🇸🇰 neporiadne

🇨🇳 凌乱地

🇸🇮 neurejeno

🇮🇸 í óreiðu

🇰🇿 ретсіз

🇬🇪 არეულად

🇦🇿 düzensiz şəkildə

🇲🇽 desordenadamente

Etymology

The word 'messily' is derived from the word 'messy', which has been in use since the late 19th century. 'Messy' originates from the Middle English word 'mes', meaning food, which later evolved to mean unclean or untidy. The adverb form 'messily' was later created to describe actions or processes done in a disorganized or untidy manner.

See also: mess, messenger, messiness, messy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,842, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.