Definition

In a way that is unclear or confused, often due to dirt or lack of clarity.

Example

The river flowed muddily after the heavy rain, making it hard to see the bottom.

Conversation

Did you see how muddily the kids played in the backyard yesterday?

Yeah, I couldn't believe how dirty they got!

I know, they were having so much fun despite the mess.

True, but now I have to clean their clothes!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Muddily → It is formed from "mud" (from Old English *mudd*, meaning wet earth or dirt) and the suffix "-ily" (meaning in a manner). The word "muddily" means in a manner that is muddy or unclear, often referring to something that is not clear or is obscured by mud.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mud' as something that makes things unclear or dirty, and remember that 'muddily' describes doing something in a way that is not clear, just like muddy water.

Visually Confused Words