Definition

In a way that is weak, unhealthy, or affected by illness.

Example

She smiled sicklily, trying to hide her discomfort.

Conversation

I felt sicklily after that weird meal we had last night.

Yeah, it was definitely not the best choice.

I can't believe I ate that salad; it looked bad and tasted even worse.

Next time, let's just stick to something safe!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sicklily → It is formed from "sick" (from Old English "sic", meaning ill or unwell) and "-ly" (a suffix meaning in a manner of). The word "sicklily" means in a manner that is sickly or ill.

Memory Tip

Think of feeling 'ill' ('sick') and doing so 'in a manner' ('-ly') — that's why sicklily means behaving in a sickly way.

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