Definition

In a way that is disorganized or untidy; not neat or clean.

Example

The children played messily in the mud, leaving their clothes dirty.

Conversation

Did you see how he painted that wall?

Yeah, it looks a bit messily done, doesn't it?

I thought so too!

Maybe he was in a rush or something.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Messily → It is formed from "mess" (from Old French *mes*, meaning a portion or a dish) and the suffix "-ily" (meaning in a manner). The word "messily" means in a manner that is disordered or untidy, reflecting the original sense of a portion that is not neatly arranged.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'mess' as something that is disordered or untidy, and remember that 'messily' describes doing something in that disordered way.

Visually Confused Words