icily

English

WOTD – 21 August 2010

Etymology

From icy +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation

  • (UK, US) IPA(key): /ˈaɪ.sɪ.li/
  • Audio (US)(file)

Adverb

icily (comparative more icily, superlative most icily)

  1. In the manner of ice; with a cold or chilling effect.
    • 1971, Alan Sillitoe, Travels in Nihilon, page 76:
      The cold Alpine air flowed icily into his car, so he stopped by the roadside to put on a leather trench-coat, thick scarf, and woollen hat […]
  2. (figuratively) In an uncaring manner.
    • 1943, M. F. K. Fisher, "To Feed Such Hunger", The Gastronomical Me
      […] quite often her husband and Jo did not eat at home, or sat icily silent through a meal.

Synonyms

Translations

References

  • icily in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
  • icily in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
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