English Dictionary

Definition of “slyly”

slyly (ˈslaɪlɪ) 

Definitions

adverb

  1. in a crafty or cunning manner
  2. (pejorative) dishonestly
  3. insidiously; furtively
  4. mischievously; roguishly;

sly (slaɪ Pronunciation for sly

Definitions

adjective

Word forms:  slyer, slyest, slier, sliest
  1. crafty; artful ⇒ a sly dodge
  2. insidious; furtive ⇒ a sly manner
  3. playfully mischievous; roguish ⇒ sly humour

noun

  1. See on the sly

Derived Forms

ˈslyly, ˈslily adverb
ˈslyness noun

Word Origin

C12: from Old Norse slǣgr clever, literally: able to strike, from slā to slay

Example Sentences Including 'slyly'

Am I again being slyly winked at by Britain's most loved ex-jailbird?
Times, Sunday Times (2002)
Doubts about the pre-war evidence were also raised, and slyly aired, by some within political circles.
Spiked (2003)
Martha's memories, so long suppressed and left behind, are beginning to surface slowly and slyly , like bubbles.
Sara MacDonald SEA MUSIC (2003)
Oh, yes," the muffled garbled voice said slyly , `I've got it.
Wood, Bari Doll's Eyes
Over strawberries and cream she had quizzed him about Barzini's season in Milan which, she noted slyly , was now at an end.
St. James, Ian Final Resort
She had - Hettie admitted slyly to herself - even carried a torch for Gilbert Beardsley, briefly.
Alexandra Connor THE TURN OF THE TIDE (2004)
The film slyly parallels the Elizabethan stage with today's motion picture industry.
Misc (1998)
The way the Moulin Rouge beauty tilted her head and slyly looked over them gave her an electrifying "I'm in charge" look.
Sun, News of the World (2002)
Waiting for the red herrings, the danger, the tension, the laughs and the cool romance to slyly unfold, you're left high and dry.
The Advertiser, Sunday Mail (2004)

Comments

Log in to comment on this word.