Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɜːkilɪ] (IPA) 
Jerkily is spelled with the letter combination "er" making an /ɜː/ sound and a "ki" combination making a /ki/ sound. The letter "j" is used to represent the /dʒ/ sound in English. The letter "y" is actually a vowel, and in this case it's pronouced as a /i/ sound. The "-ly" ending is common in English adverbs. When correctly pronounced, jerkily would be phonetically transcribed as /ˈdʒɜː.kɪ.li/.
Jerkily is an adverb that describes an action or movement that is characterized by sudden, abrupt, and irregular motions. It refers to a manner of carrying out a movement or action in a manner that lacks smoothness, grace, or fluidity. When something is done jerkily, it is executed with jerks, jolts, or spasmodic motions.
This term is often used to describe physical movements of animate beings, such as humans or animals. For example, a person may walk jerkily if they have an injury or if their muscles are stiff. Similarly, a person might perform a task jerkily if they lack coordination or are experiencing some kind of involuntary muscular contractions.
Jerkily can also be used figuratively to describe the behavior of objects or processes. For instance, a machine that is malfunctioning may operate jerkily, with sudden starts and stops. Additionally, the progress of a project or a plan that is disorganized or lacking proper flow may be described as jerkily advancing.
The term jerkily implies a lack of smoothness, consistency, or regularity. It suggests a sense of unevenness, choppiness, or disruption in the desired or expected pattern of movement.
The word "jerkily" is derived from the adjective "jerky", which originated from the noun "jerk". The term "jerk" in this context refers to a sudden, abrupt movement or action. It is believed to have originated in the 16th century, possibly derived from the Middle French word "charqui", which referred to a type of dried meat. Over time, "jerky" came to describe a meat that was cut into strips and dried, which then became associated with the jerking motion involved in the preparation process. The adverb "jerkily" is formed by adding the suffix "-ly" to "jerky" and is used to describe a movement or action that is characterized by abrupt and quick motions.
