Definition

In a way that suggests a deeper or implied significance.

Example

She looked at him meaningfully, hinting at her true feelings.

Conversation

Did you get what she meant by that comment?

I think she was being meaningly vague on purpose.

Yeah, it felt like she was hinting at something else.

Exactly! Sometimes people say things that are meaningly deeper than they seem.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Meaningfully is formed from "meaning" (from Old English "mænan", meaning to signify or intend) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "meaningfully" describes doing something in a way that conveys significance or intention.

Memory Tip

Think of 'meaning' as signifying something important, and '-ly' indicates the manner in which it is done. So, when something is done meaningfully, it is done in a way that shows significance.

Visually Confused Words