dimly
UK: ˈdɪmli | US: ˈdɪmli
adv. in a dim or faint manner; with inadequate light
adv. in a way that is not clearly perceived or understood
dimly = dim<faint/unclear> + ly<adverb suffix>
- dim: From Old English dim ("dark, gloomy, obscure"), of Germanic origin. Originally described lack of light or clarity.
- ly: A productive Old English adverbial suffix (-līce), used to form adverbs from adjectives.
Etymology Origin:
The word dimly combines dim, an ancient Germanic term for darkness or obscurity, with the adverbial suffix -ly, which has been used since Old English to modify adjectives into adverbs. The pairing logically extends dim's core meaning ("faint/unclear") to describe how an action is performed ("in a faint/unclear manner"). Over time, dimly evolved to describe both literal low light (e.g., "a dimly lit room") and figurative vagueness (e.g., "dimly remembered").
The room was dimly lit by a single candle.
She could only dimly recall the events of that night.
The stars shone dimly through the thick fog.
He smiled dimly, as if unsure of his own happiness.
The instructions were written dimly, leaving many confused.