snugly
UK: ˈsnʌɡli | US: ˈsnʌɡli
Definition
adv. in a warm, comfortable, and well-protected manner
adj. fitting closely and comfortably
Structure
snug <comfortable>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology
snugly = snug<comfortable> + ly<adverb suffix>
- snug: Derived from late 17th-century Scandinavian (e.g., Old Norse snøggr "short-haired, tight"), originally describing something compact or neatly fitted. Evolved to imply warmth and comfort.
- ly: An Old English adverbial suffix used to form adverbs from adjectives.
Etymology Origin:
The word "snug" entered English via nautical slang, referring to ships prepared for rough weather (tightly secured). Over time, it expanded to describe physical comfort and coziness. The addition of "-ly" transformed it into an adverb, emphasizing the manner of being comfortably fitted or wrapped.
Examples
The baby slept snugly under a soft blanket.
She tucked the letter snugly into the envelope.
The jacket fit snugly around his shoulders.
The cat curled up snugly by the fireplace.
The ship was tied snugly to the dock before the storm.