smartly
Americanadverb
-
in a neat, trim way.
At this boarding school, students must be smartly dressed and properly prepared for each class.
-
in an elegant, sophisticated, or fashionable way.
The contemporary white cabinets are smartly accented by modern terracotta tile.
-
in a way that shows quick intelligence or good practical judgment.
Smartly used, the tools I've highlighted will make you a better and more effective manager.
-
shrewdly or sharply, as in business; strategically.
Plan smartly, act coolly, and then retaliate when it best suits you.
-
in a clever or witty way.
The narrator in this song smartly observes that "the only thing that stays the same is everything changes."
-
quickly or promptly.
When the drill sergeant gives them an order, the recruits obey smartly.
-
briskly or vigorously.
The detective took the warrant from the officer and walked smartly into the inner office without knocking.
-
in a pert or saucy way.
Asked if the two of them could stop bickering like children and listen up, she retorted smartly, "I can if he can."
-
in a sharp, precise, or severe way and with a cracking sound, as of striking or slapping.
Under water, two rocks struck smartly together can be heard over a great distance.
Mark out the shape of the hole by placing the metal plate in position and tapping it smartly with a hammer.
-
Digital Technology. in a remote, automated, self-regulating, or seemingly intelligent way that makes use of electronic control mechanisms and programming, microprocessors, internet access, etc..
When our all-wheel drive system senses excessive slip, it smartly sends power to the wheel with the surest footing.
-
sharply or keenly, as pain.
I refused to limp, though my shin hurt smartly from the blow.
Other Word Forms
- supersmartly adverb
Etymology
Origin of smartly
First recorded in 1220–30; 2005–10 smartly for def. 10; smart ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
