Definition

In a way that is clever and deceitful, often to achieve something secretly or without being noticed.

Example

She smiled slily, knowing she had a secret plan.

Conversation

Did you see how he slily avoided the question during the meeting?

Yeah, it was pretty obvious he was trying to hide something.

I can't believe he thought he could get away with it so slily.

Right? Sometimes you have to be more straightforward.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Slily → The word 'slily' is derived from 'sly' (from Old English 'slyh', meaning cunning or crafty) and the suffix '-ly' (meaning in a manner of). Thus, 'slily' means in a cunning or crafty manner.

Memory Tip

Think of someone acting in a 'cunning' way ('sly') — the '-ly' just means in that manner. This helps you remember that 'slily' describes doing something in a crafty way.

Visually Confused Words