cleanly
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adv.to do something in a smooth way that leaves a neat edge or no mess.
adv.in a manner that is smooth, precise, and free from irregularities or residue.
Simple“The sharp knife cut cleanly through the fresh bread.”
In context“The surgeon made the initial incision cleanly, ensuring that the edges of the wound would align perfectly for suturing.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
adv.completely or totally, often used when something is removed or forgotten.
adv.entirely or completely; often used to describe a total break or removal from a previous state.
Simple“The memory of that day had cleanly slipped his mind.”
In context“The arrow passed cleanly through the target, leaving the archer's spectators in stunned silence.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.describes a person or animal that stays clean and has good hygiene.
adj.habitually clean or practicing good hygiene; often used to describe domestic animals.
Simple“Cats are very cleanly animals and spend hours grooming themselves.”
In context“The inspector noted that the kitchen staff were exceptionally cleanly, adhering to all safety protocols without exception.”
“On the ground, though, these two systems are almost never cleanly separate.”
From Middle English clenly, clenliche, clanly, from Old English clǣnlīċ (“cleanly, pure, excellent”), equivalent to clean + -ly.
From Middle English clenly, clenli, clenliche, from Old English clǣnlīċe (“cleanly”), equivalent to clean + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.