Word
cleanly
Phoneticsclean·ly, stress on the first syllable
/ˈkɫinɫi/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01smoothly and neatly
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.
“The sharp knife cut cleanly through the fresh bread.”
“The surgeon made the initial incision cleanly, ensuring that the edges of the wound would align perfectly for suturing.”
Antonyms
02completely or entirely
C1 · Advanced Literary
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.
“The memory of that day had cleanly slipped his mind.”
“The arrow passed cleanly through the target, leaving the archer's spectators in stunned silence.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03habitually clean
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.
“Cats are very cleanly animals and spend hours grooming themselves.”
“The inspector noted that the kitchen staff were exceptionally cleanly, adhering to all safety protocols without exception.”
Usage
Manner adverb — typically follows the verb or the direct object.
Pitfall
The car runs clean.
The car runs cleanly.
While 'clean' can be an informal adverb, 'cleanly' is the standard form for describing the manner of an action.
Real-World Examples
“On the ground, though, these two systems are almost never cleanly separate.” Etymology
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.
Word family
VERB
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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