Definition

In a way that causes or relates to disease or harm; destructively or mischievously.

Example

The pests spread the disease pestilently, affecting the entire crop.

Conversation

Did you see how the kids were acting at the park yesterday?

Yeah, they were running around pestilently and causing a ruckus.

I know, right? It's like they were competing to see who could be the most mischievous.

Exactly! It was both entertaining and a little exhausting to watch.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pestilently → It is formed from "pestilent" (from Latin "pestilentem", meaning causing plague or disease) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "pestilently" means in a manner that causes disease or plague.

Memory Tip

Think of something that causes disease ('pestilent') and remember that 'pestilently' describes how it spreads or acts in a harmful way.

Visually Confused Words