adv

darkly

DAHK-lee

Darkly (adv) means In a way that suggests something sinister, ominous, or troubling. Example: “He hinted darkly that something terrible had happened.”

adv

In a way that suggests something sinister, ominous, or troubling.

"He hinted darkly that something terrible had happened."

With little light; dimly.

"The corridor was lit only darkly by a single bulb."

How to use darkly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIn a gloomy, ominous, or dimly lit manner.

Common pairings

hint darkly mutter darkly

Word forms

darklier comparative, more darkly comparative, darklier comparative, more darkly comparative, darkliest superlative, most darkly superlative, darkliest superlative, most darkly superlative

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He hinted _____ that something terrible had happened.

Etymology

From Middle English derkly, derkely, derkliche, derkeliche; equivalent to dark + -ly. Compare Old English deorclīċe, a parallel formation.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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in darkness

Rhymes for darkly

sparkly

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Frequently asked questions

What does “darkly” mean?

The word “darkly” means in a way that suggests something sinister, ominous, or troubling. In plain terms, in a gloomy, ominous, or dimly lit manner.

How do you pronounce “darkly”?

“Darkly” is pronounced DAHK-lee (/ˈdɑɹkli/ in IPA).

How do you use “darkly” in a sentence?

Here is “darkly” used in a sentence: “He hinted darkly that something terrible had happened.”

What part of speech is “darkly”?

“Darkly” is an adverb.

How many meanings does “darkly” have?

“Darkly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a way that suggests something sinister, ominous, or troubling.