oddly

UK: ˈɒdli | US: ˈɑːdli

Definition

  1. adv. in a strange or unusual manner

  2. adv. used to emphasize something surprising or unexpected

Structure
odd <strange/unusual>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

oddly = odd<strange/unusual> + ly<adverb suffix>

  • odd: From Old Norse oddi ("point of a weapon, triangle"), later evolving to mean "singular" or "unmatched" in Middle English. The sense of "strange" emerged from the idea of something being irregular or unpaired.
  • ly: A common English adverb-forming suffix derived from Old English -līce, indicating manner or quality.

Etymology Origin:
The word oddly combines odd, rooted in Old Norse with connotations of irregularity, and the adverbial suffix -ly, which transforms adjectives into adverbs. Over time, odd shifted from describing physical asymmetry to abstract strangeness, and -ly standardized its grammatical function. The fusion reflects a logical progression from "unmatched" to "strangely."

Examples

  1. She laughed oddly, as if hiding nervousness.

  2. The machine worked oddly after the update.

  3. Oddly enough, he remembered every detail.

  4. The cat stared oddly at the empty corner.

  5. Oddly, the keys were already in the door.