ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cheaply

adv. manner
A2 Elementary US //ˈtʃipɫi// UK //tʃˈiːpli// cheap·ly

adv. at a low price or without spending much money. You use this when you buy something for less than the usual cost.

adv. at a low cost or for a small amount of money. Often implies poor quality or lack of value when used in a figurative sense.


SIMPLE

I bought these shoes very cheaply at the market.

CONTEXTUAL

The company managed to produce the new parts more cheaply by using recycled materials.

COMPLEX

While the equipment was acquired cheaply at an auction, the subsequent maintenance costs far exceeded the initial savings.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From cheap + -ly.

Usage

Typically placed after the verb or the direct object.

Pitfall

I bought it cheaplilyI bought it cheaplyLearners sometimes try to add '-lily' to adjectives ending in 'y', but 'cheaply' is the correct adverbial form.

© 2026 English Reference