Dictionary

meditatively en · ADV

Etymology

Etymology tree English meditative Middle English -ly English -ly English meditatively From meditative + -ly.

Meanings

1. In a meditative manner.
   • “Yes,” she said meditatively; then suddenly dropped her voice. “Mr. Hastings, you do not think—surely it could not have been Lawrence—Oh, no, that could not be!” 1920, Agatha Christie, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, London: Pan Books, published 1954, page 157:
   • ESTRAGON: I've forgotten. (Chews.) That's what annoys me. (He looks at the carrot appreciatively, dangles it between finger and thumb.) I'll never forget this carrot. (He sucks the end of it meditatively.) Ah yes, now I remember. 1954 [1948], Samuel Beckett, Waiting for Godot […] , New York: Grove Press, translation of En attendant Godot, page 12:
   • This done, he sank on to a stretcher, and glanced meditatively about the room. 1936, F.J. Thwaites, chapter XIV, in The Redemption, Sydney: H. John Edwards, published 1940, page 153:

Forms