Library / English Dictionary

IDLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (adverb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

In an idle manner

Example:

this is what I always imagined myself doing in the south of France, sitting idly, drinking coffee, watching the people

Synonyms:

idly; lazily

Classified under:

Adverbs

Pertainym:

idle (not in action or at work)

Credits

 Context examples: 

The gushing fountains which sparkle in the sun, must not be stopped in mere caprice; the oasis in the desert of Sahara must not be plucked up idly.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Don't you think, if I had had her for a friend a long time ago, Doady, said Dora, her bright eyes shining very brightly, and her little right hand idly busying itself with one of the buttons of my coat, I might have been more clever perhaps?

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)