Definition

In a manner that is not clear or is obscured, similar to how clouds can block the sun or visibility.

Example

The sky looked cloudily, making it hard to see the stars at night.

Conversation

Do you think it will rain today?

I looked outside, and it looks pretty cloudily right now.

Yeah, I guess we should bring umbrellas just in case.

Good idea! I don’t want to get caught in a downpour.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cloudily → It is formed from "cloud" (from Old English *clud*, meaning a mass of rock or hill, which evolved to mean a visible mass of condensed water vapor in the atmosphere) and "-ily" (a suffix forming adverbs, meaning in a manner of). The word "cloudily" means in a manner that resembles or is characteristic of clouds, often implying obscurity or vagueness.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'cloud' as representing something that can obscure or cover, and remember that 'cloudily' means in a way that is unclear or vague, just like clouds can obscure the sky.

Visually Confused Words