primly

[ prim-lee ]

adverb

1. in a proper, neat, precise, or fastidious way:

   Today I stand in my navy blue uniform, my feet primly encased in black boots laced neatly over wool socks.

   As we left the restaurant I noticed that most of the other diners were eating their shrimp with knives and forks, primly dissecting each one.

2. (especially of a woman or girl) in a way that is excessively demure or modest:

   Justin and I sat, and she sat across from us, primly holding her knees together and folding her hands on top of them.

Word History and Origins

Origin of primly¹

prim ¹( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Remember the kid who sat next to you in math class and primly guarded his test paper from cheating eyes with a bent elbow?

From New York Times

Behind him, a primly dressed elderly lady stands at the bus stop and regards him disapprovingly.

From New York Times

Gloor could be threatening, too, shaking his fist in Boujasson’s face and calling him a “robber” and, a newspaper primly noted, a “d—d French scoundrel.”

From Washington Post

Inés Pérdido was sitting up primly on the edge of a cushioned chair in the parlor area directly across from the dining room next to an older woman who looked a lot like her.

From Literature

It’s the comedy of a primly composed mean-girl android turning into The Terminator.

From New York Times