tightly
TYT-lee
Tightly (adv) means In a firm, close, or secure manner. Example: “She held the child's hand tightly as they crossed the road.”
adv
1
In a firm, close, or secure manner.
"She held the child's hand tightly as they crossed the road."
"Wrap the bandage tightly around the wound."
"He tied the laces tightly so his boots would not slip."
2
Curtly or sharply, in a way that suggests barely controlled anger or emotion.
""I'm fine," she said tightly, clearly upset."
""We will discuss it later," he said tightly, avoiding her eyes."
"She smiled tightly and thanked them, though she was furious inside."
How to use tightly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFirmly and securely, or (in speech) in a clipped, tense way.
Common pairings
hold tightly
tightly packed
speak tightly
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Word forms
- Comparative
- tightlier, more tightly
- Superlative
- tightliest, most tightly
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She held the child's hand _____ as they crossed the road.
Etymology
From "tight" plus the adverb-forming suffix "-ly."
Related words
Rhymes for tightly
See all rhymes for tightly →Frequently asked questions
What does “tightly” mean?
The word “tightly” means in a firm, close, or secure manner. In plain terms, firmly and securely, or (in speech) in a clipped, tense way.
How do you pronounce “tightly”?
“Tightly” is pronounced TYT-lee (/ˈtaɪtli/ in IPA).
How do you use “tightly” in a sentence?
Here is “tightly” used in a sentence: “She held the child's hand tightly as they crossed the road.”
What part of speech is “tightly”?
“Tightly” is an adverb.
Is “tightly” a common word?
“Tightly” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “tightly” have?
“Tightly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a firm, close, or secure manner.
What is the difference between tightly and tight as adverbs?
Tightly is the standard adverb form meaning in a firm, close, or secure manner, as in she gripped the rope tightly. Tight is sometimes used informally as an adverb in fixed expressions, such as hold tight or sleep tight, but tightly is the more grammatically standard choice in most sentences.
How is tightly used to describe tone of voice or emotion?
Tightly can describe speech that is curt or sharp, suggesting barely controlled anger or emotion, as in she said it tightly, her jaw clenched. This figurative use extends the physical sense of being firmly closed or constrained to a person's emotional state.
What kinds of words does tightly typically pair with?
Tightly commonly modifies verbs describing physical control or closure, such as tightly packed, tightly wound, tightly gripped, or tightly sealed. It also pairs with words describing organization or restriction, as in a tightly controlled schedule.
