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Showily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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showily

[ˈʃoʊ.i ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a showy manner

In an extravagant or ostentatious way, with a desire to impress others.

Synonyms

extravagantly, flashily, ostentatiously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
showily

Used to describe something done in a way that is meant to attract attention, often through bright or noticeable features.

  • She decorated her house showily with bright colors and flashing lights
ostentatiously

Used to describe actions or displays meant to impress others or show off, often with a boastful or pretentious tone.

  • She ostentatiously drove her expensive sports car around town, hoping to catch everyone's attention
extravagantly

Used when something is done with excessive spending or in a luxurious manner, often implying a lack of caution or moderation.

  • He spent his money extravagantly on a lavish party with no expense spared
flashily

Used when something is done in a way that is too bright, fancy, or trying too hard to impress, often with a negative connotation.

  • He dressed flashily with too much jewelry and overly bright clothes

Examples of usage

  • She always dressed showily, with bright colors and flashy accessories.
  • He drove showily around town in his expensive sports car, trying to show off.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Fashion

  • In fashion, 'showily' describes styles that grab attention, like bright colors, bold patterns, and extensive use of accessories.
  • Runway shows often feature outfits presented 'showily' to highlight creativity and craftsmanship.
  • Pop culture icons are known to dress showily, setting trends and showcasing their unique styles.

Psychology

  • People who act or dress showily may be seeking validation or attention from others.
  • Some psychological studies suggest that showy behavior can be linked to personality traits such as extroversion.
  • Cultural differences can shape what is considered 'showy,' making it a subjective concept based on societal norms.

Literature

  • In literature, characters who act showily often symbolize vanity or the desire for social status.
  • Famous works often critique showiness, showcasing the contrast between genuine and superficial characters.
  • Showy descriptions can enrich storytelling, painting vibrant images in readers' minds.

Art

  • Art movements like Baroque are characterized by showy details, grandeur, and emotional expression.
  • Showy artworks often draw the eye with bold colors, intricate designs, and dramatic themes.
  • Modern art can also be showy, intent on provoking attention and sparking dialogue.

Origin of 'showily'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Showily' comes from the word 'show,' which means to display or demonstrate.
  • The suffix '-ly' is used to turn adjectives into adverbs, indicating the manner of an action.
  • The term has been in English since the late 19th century, evolving from earlier forms of the word.

The word 'showily' is derived from the word 'showy', which originated in the early 18th century from the Middle English word 'shewy'. It is related to the Old English word 'sceawian', meaning 'to look at'. Over time, 'showy' evolved to include the adverb 'showily', which describes actions done in a flashy or extravagant manner.

See also: show, showable, showbiz, showcase, showcased, showdown, showed, shower, showery, showiness, showing, showjumper, showman, showmanship, showmen, shown, showpiece, showroom, shows, showstopper, showup, showy.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,186, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.