-ly Definition

suffix
Like; resembling; having the characteristics of.
Sisterly.
American Heritage
Recurring at a specified interval of time.
Hourly.
American Heritage
In a specified manner; in the manner of.
Gradually.
American Heritage
At a specified interval of time.
Weekly.
American Heritage
With respect to.
Partly.
American Heritage
abbreviation
Light-year(s)
Webster's New World

(astronomy) Alternative spelling of ly. ; light-year.

Wiktionary

The ccTLD for Libya as assigned by the IANA.

Wiktionary
(chemistry, physics, astronomy) Alternative form of . (Lyman-alpha, Lyman alpha)
Wiktionary
affix
Like, characteristic of, suitable to.
Manly, godly, deadly.
Webster's New World
Happening (once) every (specified period of time)
Hourly, monthly.
Webster's New World
In a (specified) manner or direction, to a (specified) extent, in or at a (specified) time or place.
Haply, inwardly, merely.
Webster's New World
In the (specified) order.
Firstly, thirdly.
Webster's New World
noun
(astronomy) Abbreviation of lightyear.
Wiktionary

Origin of -ly

  • Middle English -li from Old English -līce (influenced by Old Norse -liga) from -līc adj. suff. līk- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Middle English -li from Old English -līc (influenced by Old Norse -ligr) līk- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • ME < OE -lic < Gmc *lika-, body > like

    From Webster's New World College Dictionary, 5th Edition

  • ME < OE -lice < -lic

    From Webster's New World College Dictionary, 5th Edition