Stickily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stickily

[หˆstษชkษชli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

describing texture

Stickily refers to something being sticky or adhesive in nature. It describes a state where a surface is able to hold things together due to a viscous or glue-like quality. This term is often used to characterize how substances like syrup or glue can adhere to surfaces and each other, creating a sensation of resistance when an attempt is made to separate them. It can apply to both literal physical substances and figurative contexts, such as clinging emotions or memories.

Synonyms

adhesively, tackily, viscously.

Examples of usage

  • The syrup dripped stickily onto the pancakes.
  • Her fingers felt stickily after handling the glue.
  • The kids' hands were stickily covered in candy.
  • The stickily warm air clung to us as we walked.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Usage in Literature

  • In literary works, 'stickily' might describe scenes where characters deal with messy situations, enhancing the vividness of their experiences.
  • Poets sometimes use 'stickily' for its sensory feel, allowing readers to imagine textures and sensations in their minds.
  • Children's stories often feature characters encountering sticky situations, using the word to evoke humor.

Psychology

  • 'Stickily' can refer to behavior that feels clingy or excessively dependent on others, reflecting emotional states in interpersonal relationships.
  • The sensation of stickiness is linked to childhood experiences, often tied to memories involving candy or arts and crafts.
  • Research shows people can have strong emotional responses to situations described as 'sticky' due to nostalgia or discomfort.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, sticky situations often lead to comedic moments when characters get stuck in something gooey.
  • The term is used in cooking shows when discussing recipes that involve sticky ingredients like honey or syrup.
  • Video games often present 'stickily' as a descriptive term for traps or obstacles that impede players' progression.

Science

  • In physics, stickiness can describe the forces that cause some materials to adhere together at a molecular level.
  • Sticky substances, like adhesives, are used in countless applications from construction to medicine.
  • The study of materials with stickiness involves understanding the properties of viscosity and adhesion.

Origin of 'stickily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'stickily' comes from 'sticky,' which is derived from the Old English 'stician,' meaning 'to adhere.'
  • It first appeared in the English language in the late 14th century.
  • The suffix '-ly' is used to form adverbs from adjectives, indicating how something is done.

The word 'stickily' is derived from the adjective 'sticky,' which has its roots in the Old English word 'sticca,' meaning 'to stick or prick.' The elongated form with the '-ly' suffix transforms it into an adverb, describing the manner in which something adheres. The earliest uses of 'sticky' date back to the 14th century in Middle English, referring primarily to substances that adhere to surfaces or each other. Over the centuries, 'sticky' has been used in various contexts, both literal, concerning adhesive materials, and metaphorical, referring to clinging emotions or unresolved issues. The formation of 'stickily' illustrates the evolution of the English language in adapting terms to express nuanced actions and states of being.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,922, 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.