Definition

In a way that is overly concerned with being proper or neat, often to the point of being fussy or affected.

Example

She arranged the flowers prissily, making sure every petal was perfectly in place.

Conversation

Why do you always dress so prissily?

I just like to look neat and put together, you know?

I get that, but sometimes it feels a bit much.

Maybe, but I think it shows I care about my appearance.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Prissily is derived from "prissy" (a colloquial term meaning overly proper or affected) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "prissily" means in an overly proper or affected manner.

Memory Tip

Think of someone acting in an overly proper way ('prissy') and remember that 'prissily' describes doing so in a manner.

Visually Confused Words