adv
weakly
WEEK-lee
adv
1
In a weak manner; without much force.
"He smiled weakly and shook her hand."
adj
1
Sickly or physically frail.
"She was a weakly child who missed a lot of school."
How to Use Weakly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMostly used as an adverb meaning "without strength" (a weakly flickering light), though it can also describe a frail person.
Common mistake
Don't confuse the adverb "weakly" (without strength) with "weekly" (every week) — they sound alike.
Easily confused with
Word Forms
weaklier comparative, more weakly comparative, weakliest superlative, most weakly superlative
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He smiled _____ and shook her hand.