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adverb · 2 syllables · /ˈdraɪli/

DRYLY

What does "DRYLY" mean?

In a matter-of-fact, unemotional way, often with understated wit.

Meanings

  1. In a coolly humorous or ironic manner, without showing emotion. 'How thoughtful of them to schedule it at dawn,' she said dryly.
  2. In a plain, matter-of-fact, or unadorned way. He stated the verdict dryly, leaving no room for hope.

Word origin

From the adjective 'dry' (Old English 'dryge') plus the adverb suffix '-ly'; the 'witty, deadpan' sense draws on 'dry' meaning lacking sweetness or warmth.

Remember it

A dryly delivered joke is so DRY it doesn't even crack a smile - DRY + LY.

A little poem

He raised one brow, said nothing of the cost,
and let the room work out just what was lost.

couplet

Wordplay

  • I asked the comedian to describe deadpan humor. He just looked at me and said, dryly, 'It's not for everyone.'

What it teaches

The driest delivery can carry the wettest meaning; restraint is its own kind of emphasis.

Quick facts

What does DRYLY mean?

In a matter-of-fact, unemotional way, often with understated wit.

Is DRYLY a valid word?

Yes — DRYLY is one of the answer words in Wordul, the daily word game.

How many letters is DRYLY?

DRYLY has 5 letters and 2 syllables.

Where does DRYLY come from?

From the adjective 'dry' (Old English 'dryge') plus the adverb suffix '-ly'; the 'witty, deadpan' sense draws on 'dry' meaning lacking sweetness or warmth.

What can DRYLY teach us?

The driest delivery can carry the wettest meaning; restraint is its own kind of emphasis.

How players do

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