-ly

1. a suffix forming adverbs from adjectives: gladly; gradually; secondly.
2. a suffix meaning “every,” attached to certain nouns denoting units of time: hourly; daily.
3. an adjective suffix meaning “-like”: saintly; cowardly.

ly

¹

the internet domain name for

1. Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

-ly

²

suffix forming adverbs

1. in a certain manner; to a certain degree

   quickly

   chiefly

   recently

-ly

³

suffix forming adjectives

1. having the nature or qualities of

   brotherly

   godly

2. occurring at certain intervals; every

   daily

   yearly

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ly¹

Middle English adverb -li, -lich(e), Old English -līce ( -līc adjective suffix + -e adverb suffix); Middle English adjective -li, -ly, -lich(e), Old English -līc (cognate with German -lich ), suffixal use of gelīc “similar to, like”; like ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ly¹

Old English -lice, from -lic -ly ¹

Origin of -ly²

Old English -lic

Example Sentences

The US last month sanctioned powerful Cambodian tycoon and ruling party Senator Ly Yong Phat, nicknamed the "king of Koh Kong" after his influence over his home province, over alleged connections to the cyberscam industry.

From BBC

Ly said Cozart hired him to translate on the chance that Wang didn’t speak English.

From Los Angeles Times

Once it became clear that he did, Ly said, he left.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors dispute that claim, but have not charged Ly with any crimes.

From Los Angeles Times

Details from Ly’s deposition in the Orange County case align with the person referred to in the indictment as “Individual B.”

From Los Angeles Times