deathly
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈdɛθli/
KK: /ˈdɛθli/
adjective
Definition
Causing or resembling death; often used to describe something that is very quiet or lifeless.
Example
The room fell into a deathly silence after the announcement.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more deathly
Superlative: most deathly
Conversation
Did you hear that deathly silence in the movie last night?
Yeah, it was so eerie! I loved it.
It really set the mood, didn’t it?
Absolutely, it made the suspense even more intense.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fatal
mortal
lifeless
Antonyms
vital
living
animated
adverb
Definition
In a way that is extremely or very intense, often related to death or a lifeless state.
Example
The silence in the room was deathly, making everyone feel uneasy.
Conversation
Did you feel that deathly silence in the room just now?
Yeah, it was a bit unsettling, wasn't it?
I thought something was really wrong with the atmosphere.
Root Explanation
Deathly → It is formed from "death" (from Old English "deað", meaning the end of life) and "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "deathly" describes something that is in the manner of death or resembles death.
Memory Tip
Think of something that is 'in the manner of' ('-ly') 'death' — that's why deathly means resembling or characteristic of death.
Visually Confused Words
earthly
predeathly