cleanly
cleanly Lexical Profile
cleanly Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
In a smooth, precise, and unobstructed manner, without difficulty, error, or ragged edges.
"The carpenter's saw cut cleanly through the thick oak plank."
In a way that is free from dirt, pollution, or moral corruption; fairly and honestly.
"Both teams played cleanly and respected the referee's decisions throughout the match."
• adjective
Habitually neat, tidy, and attentive to personal hygiene or cleanliness.
"Cats are naturally cleanly animals that spend hours grooming their fur."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Cleanly' is a heteronym whose pronunciation changes by part of speech: as an adverb meaning 'neatly or smoothly,' it rhymes with 'meanly' (/ˈkliːnli/), whereas as an adjective meaning 'habitually clean,' it rhymes with 'friendly' (/ˈklɛnli/).
• Rhymes for cleanly
Word Origin & Etymology
The adjective form derives from Old English 'clǣnlīc' ('pure, neat'), while the adverbial sense developed from Old English 'clǣnlīce' and was reinforced in Middle English by adding '-ly' to 'clean'.