deadly
|dead-ly|
B2
/ˈdɛdli/
causing death
Etymology
Etymology Information
'deadly' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'dēadlīc', where 'dēad' meant 'dead' and '-līc' meant 'like'.
Historical Evolution
'dēadlīc' transformed into the Middle English word 'dedli', and eventually became the modern English word 'deadly'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'like death', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'causing death'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
causing or able to cause death.
The snake's bite is deadly.
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Adjective 2
extremely effective or accurate.
She has a deadly aim with a bow.
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Adverb 1
in a way that is likely to cause death.
He was deadly serious about the threat.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45