Dirtily

/ˈdɪr.tə.li/ adverb

Definition

in a dirty or unclean manner; in a way that involves or produces dirt or filth.

Etymology

From the adjective 'dirty' plus the adverb-forming suffix '-ly.' This suffix converts adjectives into adverbs to describe how an action is performed, a pattern that has been productive in English for over 1,000 years.

Kelly Says

The word 'dirtily' is one of those adverbs that's technically correct but sounds awkward—'in a dirty way' might sound more natural to modern ears, showing how English speakers gradually prefer some adverbs over others even when both are grammatically valid.

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