smoothly
SMOOTH-lee
Smoothly (adverb) means In a smooth, even way, without interruptions, friction, or trouble. Example: “The handover to the new manager went smoothly.”
adverb
1
In a smooth, even way, without interruptions, friction, or trouble.
"The handover to the new manager went smoothly."
"The car glided smoothly along the empty motorway."
"Stir the sauce slowly until it blends smoothly with the cream."
How to use smoothly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWithout bumps, hitches, or problems — describes how something happens or moves.
Common pairings
run smoothly
go smoothly
sail smoothly
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Word forms
- Comparative
- smoothlier, more smoothly
- Superlative
- smoothliest, most smoothly
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The handover to the new manager went _____.
Etymology
From Old English smoþe ("smooth") plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “smoothly” mean?
The word “smoothly” means in a smooth, even way, without interruptions, friction, or trouble. In plain terms, without bumps, hitches, or problems — describes how something happens or moves.
How do you pronounce “smoothly”?
“Smoothly” is pronounced SMOOTH-lee (/ˈsmuːðli/ in IPA).
How do you use “smoothly” in a sentence?
Here is “smoothly” used in a sentence: “The handover to the new manager went smoothly.”
What part of speech is “smoothly”?
“Smoothly” is an adverb.
Where does the word “smoothly” come from?
The word “smoothly” comes from Old English. From Old English smoþe ("smooth") plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Is “smoothly” a common word?
“Smoothly” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between smoothly and easily?
Smoothly emphasizes the absence of interruptions or friction in a process, while easily emphasizes low effort or difficulty; the two often overlap when describing a successful outcome.
When do people say something "runs smoothly"?
People use "runs smoothly" to describe a process, event, or machine that operates without interruptions, friction, or trouble.
Can smoothly describe both physical motion and abstract processes?
Yes, smoothly can describe physical motion, like a smoothly running engine, as well as abstract processes, like a smoothly run event or transition.
