- -ly
- 1) a suffix forming adverbs from adjectives:gladly; gradually; secondly[/ex]2) a suffix meaning “every,” attached to nouns denoting units of time:hourly; daily[/ex]3) an adjective suffix meaning “-like”:saintly; cowardly[/ex]•Etymology: (adv.) ME -li, -lich(e), OE -līce (-līc adj. suffix +-e adv. suffix); (adj.) ME -li, -ly, -lich(e), OE -līc, suffixal use of gelīc like I
From formal English to slang. 2014.