Definition

In a way that shows sadness or regret.

Example

She sadly watched her friend leave for another city.

Conversation

I heard the concert got canceled, which is really disappointing.

Yeah, I was looking forward to it, too.

It’s sadly becoming a trend lately, isn't it?

Definitely, it feels like we miss out on so much fun.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sadly → It is formed from "sad" (from Old English *sæd*, meaning filled with sorrow) and "-ly" (a suffix used to form adverbs). The word "sadly" means in a manner that is filled with sorrow or unhappiness.

Memory Tip

Think of feeling 'sorrow' ('sad') and how the '-ly' turns it into an action or manner. So, when you say 'sadly', you are describing something done in a sorrowful way.

Visually Confused Words