sweetly

UK: ˈswiːtli | US: ˈswiːtli

Definition

  1. adv. in a pleasant, kind, or gentle manner

  2. adv. with a sweet taste or fragrance

Structure
sweet <pleasant, sugary>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

The word "sweetly" combines "sweet," derived from Old English "swēte" (meaning pleasant or sugary), with the adverbial suffix "-ly," from Old English "-līce." The suffix "-ly" transforms adjectives into adverbs, indicating manner or quality. Over time, "sweetly" evolved to describe actions performed with kindness, gentleness, or a literal sweet characteristic.

Examples

  1. She smiled sweetly at the child.

  2. The flowers smelled sweetly in the spring breeze.

  3. He spoke sweetly to calm her nerves.

  4. The dessert was sweetly flavored with honey.

  5. The birds sang sweetly at dawn.