Definition

In a way that reflects light; brightly or with a smooth surface.

Example

The car gleamed shinily under the sun.

Conversation

Wow, your car looks so shinily clean today!

Thanks! I just got it washed yesterday.

I need to clean mine too; it doesn’t shine like that.

You should! A good wash makes a big difference.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Shinily is formed from "shine" (from Old English "scīnan", meaning to emit light) and "-ly" (a suffix meaning in a manner of). The word "shinily" means in a manner that emits light or reflects brightness.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'emits light' ('shine') and how it does so 'in a manner' ('-ly'). This helps you remember that 'shinily' describes how something shines.

Visually Confused Words