Definition

In a way that is not emotional or enthusiastic; often used to describe a tone that is serious or matter-of-fact.

Example

She responded drily to his joke, showing that she was not amused.

Conversation

Did you hear what Jake said about the movie last night?

Yeah, he commented drily that it was a waste of time.

I thought he was joking at first!

Nope, he was pretty serious about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Drily → The word 'drily' is derived from 'dry' (from Old English 'drȳge', meaning free from moisture) and the adverbial suffix '-ly' (meaning in a manner of). Thus, 'drily' means in a manner that is dry, often referring to a lack of emotion or enthusiasm in speech or behavior.

Memory Tip

Think of 'dry' to remember that 'drily' means speaking in a dry or unemotional manner.

Visually Confused Words