Definition

In a way that seems suspicious or not trustworthy.

Example

He looked at me fishily when I asked about his plans.

Conversation

Did you notice how he was acting fishily at the party last night?

Yeah, it was really strange; he kept looking around like he was hiding something.

I thought so too! It made me feel a bit uncomfortable.

Same here, it definitely raised some red flags.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Fishily → It is formed from "fish" (from Old English *fisc*, meaning a gilled aquatic animal) and the suffix "-ily" (meaning in a manner). The word "fishily" means in a manner that resembles or is characteristic of fish, often implying something suspicious or untrustworthy.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'fish' and how it relates to being slippery or suspicious, which helps you remember that 'fishily' describes something done in a suspicious manner.

Visually Confused Words