Definition

In a way that is shabby, disreputable, or morally questionable.

Example

The hotel was seedily decorated, with peeling wallpaper and dim lighting.

Conversation

Did you see how that guy was acting last night?

Yeah, he looked really seedily shady, didn’t he?

I know! It made me a bit uncomfortable being around him.

Same here. I prefer to keep my distance from people like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Seedily → It is formed from "seed" (from Old English *sǣd*, meaning the reproductive part of a plant) and "-ily" (a suffix used to form adverbs meaning in a manner of). The word "seedily" means in a manner that is related to or resembles seeds, often implying a sense of being seedy or shabby.

Memory Tip

Think of 'seed' as the part of a plant that can grow, and remember that 'seedily' describes something that is done in a shabby or disreputable manner, like a neglected seed.

Visually Confused Words