deadly

UK: ˈdɛdli | US: ˈdɛdli

Definition

  1. adj. causing or capable of causing death

  2. adj. extremely harmful or destructive

  3. adj. intense or extreme (e.g., deadly seriousness)

Structure
dead <no longer alive>ly <adjective-forming suffix>
Etymology

The word "deadly" originates from Old English dēadlīc, combining dēad (meaning "dead") and -līc (a suffix forming adjectives, akin to modern "-ly"). The root dēad traces back to Proto-Germanic daudaz, reflecting the universal concept of lifelessness. The suffix -ly evolved from Old English -līc, originally denoting "body" or "form," later specializing into adjectival use. Over time, "deadly" expanded from literal fatality to metaphorical intensity (e.g., "deadly boring").

Examples

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