IDLY Meaning and
Definition
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Idly, commonly used as an adverb, refers to the manner in which an action is carried out or the state or nature of an object when there is a lack of productivity, purpose, or engagement. The term idly suggests that an action is performed without energy, effort, or interest, often resulting in little or no tangible outcome. It implies a passive, aimless, or unproductive situation or behavior.
In the context of human behavior, idly can describe someone engaging in activities without actively investing themselves in any particular task or pursuit. It signifies a lack of involvement, negligence, or indifference towards utilizing one's time or talents in a useful manner. When used to describe objects or machines, idly implies a state of rest, inactivity, or a functional capability that is not being utilized.
Idly is associated with a sense of inertia, lethargy, or unproductiveness. It suggests a failure to actively engage one's abilities, time, or resources towards accomplishing meaningful goals or tasks. The term idly carries a subtle negative connotation, as it implies a wasted or unfulfilled potential.
Examples of using idly in sentences include: "He sat idly on the couch, watching television for hours without accomplishing anything," or "The old factory stood idly, abandoned and unused for years." In these instances, idly characterizes a lack of motivation, purpose, or productivity.
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In an idle manner; vainly.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for IDLY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for IDLY
Etymology of IDLY
The word "idly" is derived from the noun "idle", which comes from the Old English "īdel". In Old English, "īdel" meant empty, vacant, or unoccupied. It is related to the Old High German word "ītal", which means empty, useless, or vain. Over time, the word "īdel" evolved to also mean lazy or unproductive, leading to the adverb form "idly", which refers to doing something in an inactive, unproductive, or lethargic manner.
Idioms with the word IDLY
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sit idly by
The idiom "sit idly by" is used to express the act of observing or witnessing something without taking any action or intervening. It refers to someone remaining inactive or doing nothing despite being aware of a situation that requires their involvement or assistance.
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sit (idly) by (and do sth)
The idiom "sit (idly) by (and do sth)" means to remain inactively present or refrain from taking action when one should be doing something to help or intervene in a situation. It suggests a passive attitude or lack of initiative.
Similar spelling words for IDLY
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