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Definition of dirtily

dirtily

/ˈdɝː.tɪ.li/
dir · ti · ly
Adjective:dirty
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dirtily Lexical Profile

dirtily Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a physically unclean, soiled, or squalid manner.

Example

"The stray dog was dirtily matted with mud after wandering through the storm drain."

2

In an unfair, dishonest, or unsportsmanlike manner.

Example

"The opposing team played dirtily throughout the second half, committing several deliberate fouls behind the referee's back."

3

In a vulgar, obscene, or indecent manner.

Example

"The comedian laughed dirtily after delivering a suggestive double entendre to the late-night crowd."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dirtily
Antonyms
View all antonyms for dirtily

Word Nuance & Usage

In everyday conversation and sports contexts, the flat adverb 'dirty' (as in 'to play dirty' or 'to fight dirty') is much more idiomatic than 'dirtily', which is primarily reserved for formal writing or for modifying adjectives and participles (as in 'a dirtily dressed figure').

• Rhymes for dirtily

• Nearby Words

dirtbag
dirtball
dirtbike
dirtily
dirtiness
dirty
dis

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dirtily. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dirtily
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