Slily: meaning, definitions and examples
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slily
[ ˈslaɪli ]
way of acting
The adverb 'slily' refers to the manner of acting in a sly or cunning way. It is often associated with deceit or trickery, suggesting a hidden intention or an ability to achieve one's goals without being openly confrontational. When someone does something slily, it implies a level of craftiness and subtlety in their actions. This term can also carry a hint of mischief, indicating that the individual is aware of their slyness. It is commonly used to describe behaviors that are clever but not necessarily honest.
Synonyms
craftily, cunningly, deviously, slyly, sneakily.
Examples of usage
- She smiled slily as she planned her surprise party.
- He slily slipped the note under her desk.
- The cat watched slily as it stalked its prey.
Translations
Translations of the word "slily" in other languages:
🇵🇹 disfarçadamente
🇮🇳 चालाकी से
🇩🇪 heimlich
🇮🇩 diam-diam
🇺🇦 підступно
🇵🇱 podstępnie
🇯🇵 こっそりと
🇫🇷 sournoisement
🇪🇸 sigilosamente
🇹🇷 sinsice
🇰🇷 교활하게
🇸🇦 بخبث
🇨🇿 zákeřně
🇸🇰 zákerne
🇨🇳 狡猾地
🇸🇮 prebrisno
🇮🇸 sniðuglega
🇰🇿 қулықпен
🇬🇪 ღირსეულად
🇦🇿 sırf
🇲🇽 astutamente
Etymology
The word 'slily' originates from the adjective 'sly,' which dates back to the Old Norse word 'slœgr,' meaning 'sly' or 'cunning.' The transition from the adjective to adverb form occurred as the English language evolved, absorbing influences from various Germanic languages. The transformation reflects the need for a linguistic tool to describe actions characterized by slyness. 'Sly' itself was variously interpreted in different contexts, often relating to stealth or a cleverness that is not overtly revealed. The use of 'slily' grew particularly during the Middle English period as the language underwent significant changes, and it cemented itself in common parlance by the 16th century. Today, 'slily' maintains its association with cunning behavior and is often used in both literary and colloquial texts to hint at a mischievous or strategic intention behind actions.