Word
neatly
Phoneticsneat·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnitɫi/
UK/nˈiːtli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is tidy and organized. You use this when someone does something carefully so it looks good or fits perfectly.
adv. in a tidy, organized, or efficient manner. Characterized by precision and order in arrangement or execution.
Examples
“She folded her clothes neatly and put them away.”
“The books were arranged neatly on the shelf by height and color.”
“The architect's proposal neatly addresses the city's concerns regarding traffic flow while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the historic district.”
Examples
simple
“She folded her clothes neatly and put them away.”
contextual
“The books were arranged neatly on the shelf by height and color.”
complex
“The architect's proposal neatly addresses the city's concerns regarding traffic flow while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the historic district.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb or the direct object.
Pitfall
He neatly did his work
He did his work neatly
Adverbs of manner like 'neatly' usually follow the verb or the object rather than sitting between the subject and the verb.
Etymology
From neat + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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