cleverly
UK: ˈklevəli | US: ˈklevərli
Definition
adv. in an intelligent or skillful way
adv. in a way that shows quick thinking or ingenuity
Structure
clever <quick-witted>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology
The word "clever" originated in Middle English (as "cliver"), possibly from Old Norse "klǿfr" meaning "skillful" or "dexterous." The suffix "-ly" is a common Old English adverbial suffix derived from "-lice," which denotes manner or quality. Over time, "clever" evolved to emphasize mental agility, and "-ly" standardized its adverbial form, creating "cleverly" to describe actions performed with intelligence or ingenuity.
Examples
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