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Definition of primly

primly

/ˈprɪm.li/
prim · ly
Adjective:prim
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primly Lexical Profile

primly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a stiffly formal, neat, and overly proper manner; in a way that shows disapproval of anything regarded as improper.

Example

"She sat primly on the edge of the velvet sofa with her hands folded neatly in her lap."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for primly

• Nearby Words

primitive
primitively
primitiveness
primly
primo
primogenitrix
primp

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 18th century from the adjective 'prim' (meaning stiffly formal and neat, probably from Old French 'prim', meaning fine or delicate, from Latin 'primus', meaning first) combined with the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Cite this Entry

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