newly

The word “newly” means very recently; not long ago. In plain terms, used before a past-tense verb to mean "recently" — newly built, newly arrived, newly married.

“Newly” is pronounced NYOO-lee (/ˈn(j)uli/ in IPA).

Here is “newly” used in a sentence: “The newly painted fence still smelled of fresh paint.”

“Newly” is an adverb.

The word “newly” comes from Old English. From Old English nīewlīċe, built from "new" plus the adverb-forming suffix "-ly.".

“Newly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Both point to something that happened a short time ago, and they often overlap. Newly is usually paired with an adjective or past participle to describe a fresh state, as in newly married or newly painted. Recently more often modifies a verb and simply marks the timing, as in we recently moved.

Newly most naturally sits before a past participle or adjective describing a fresh state, such as newly built, newly appointed, newly opened, or newly discovered. It emphasises that the condition has just come about. Unlike recently, it is rarely used alone at the end of a sentence.

You might say, the newly elected mayor gave her first speech, or they moved into a newly built home. In both cases newly stresses that the state is fresh and has only just taken effect. It adds a sense of change that has happened very recently.