meanly
|mean-ly|
/ˈmiːnli/
in an unkind or stingy way
Etymology
'mean' (base of 'meanly') originates from Old English (OE) gem7e9ne 'gemǣne' meaning 'common, shared'; the adverb 'meanly' is formed in Modern English by adding the suffix '-ly' to the adjective 'mean'.
'mean' shifted through Middle English forms such as 'mene'/'meane' and developed senses of 'low, humble, common'; the adverbial form 'meanly' appeared by attaching the adverbial suffix '-ly' to the adjective in later Middle/early Modern English.
Initially it meant 'common' or 'shared'; over time the notion of 'low or humble' developed and further shifted to senses of 'unkind' and 'stingy', leading to the modern adverbial senses 'in an unkind manner' and 'in a stingy manner'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in an unkind, spiteful, or malicious manner; behaving with meanness toward others.
He spoke meanly to the child, making her cry.
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Adverb 2
in a stingy or miserly way; showing meanness with money or resources.
They lived meanly and saved almost every penny.
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Adverb 3
(literary or dated) In a low-quality, poor, or scanty manner (e.g., poorly furnished or meager).
A meanly furnished room gave the house a neglected feel.
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Last updated: 2025/11/14 00:00