cleverly en · ADV
Pronunciation
- /ˈklɛvɚli/ (General-American)
- /ˈklɛvəli/ (Received-Pronunciation)
- (US) audio
Etymology
Etymology tree English clever Middle English -ly English -ly English cleverly From clever + -ly.
Meanings
-
Wittily; in a tricky manner.
He joked cleverly with each guest.
-
Intelligently directed to a purpose.
The double world champion quickly closed on to the rear of the Williams, but Maldonado drove cleverly to ensure he was always far enough ahead at the start of the pit straight to ensure Alonso could not pass him.
2012 May 13, Andrew Benson, “Williams's Pastor Maldonado takes landmark Spanish Grand Prix win”, in BBC Sport:Cleverly, he found ways of ingratiating himself with all the important guests.
-
(US, dialectal) Completely, fully.
“I ain't a-goin' ter let leetle Mose be kep' up hyar till midnight a-waitin' for you-uns ter milk the cow. It's cleverly dark now.”
1891, Mary Noailles Murfree, In the "Stranger People's" Country, Nebraska, published 2005, page 6:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| more cleverly | Degree=Cmp | lexicographic | |
| most cleverly | Degree=Sup | lexicographic |
Translations (2)
cs chytře (intelligently directed to a purpose) · eo lerte (intelligently directed to a purpose)