Definition

In a way that shows a serious or gloomy attitude.

Example

She smiled grimily at the thought of the difficult task ahead.

Conversation

Did you see how he smiled grimily during the presentation?

Yeah, it was kind of unsettling, right?

I wonder what was going through his mind when he did that.

Probably something serious, but it just came off as really strange.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Grimily is formed from "grim" (from Old English "grim", meaning fierce or cruel) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "grimily" means in a fierce or cruel manner.

Memory Tip

Think of someone acting in a 'fierce' way ('grim') — the '-ly' shows how they are doing it, so 'grimily' means doing something in a fierce manner.

Visually Confused Words