ENGLISH
REFERENCE

newly

adv. time
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈnuɫi// UK //njˈuːli// new·ly General-service

adv. very recently. You use this to describe something that has just happened or a state that has just begun.

adv. very recently or in a new manner. Often used to modify a past participle to indicate a change in status or condition.


SIMPLE

The newly painted walls smell like fresh chemicals.

CONTEXTUAL

The newly appointed manager decided to change the office layout to encourage more collaboration.

COMPLEX

While the building is historic, the newly renovated interior features cutting-edge technology and sustainable materials that contrast sharply with the original stone facade.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English newly, newely, neweliche, from Old English nīewlīċe (“newly”), equivalent to new + -ly. Compare Dutch nieuwelijks, German neulich, Danish nylig, Icelandic nýlega. More at new, -ly.

Usage

Commonly functions as a modifier for adjectives or past participles, often appearing in a hyphenated form before a noun (e.g., 'newly-wed').

Pitfall

He is a newly studentHe is a new studentNewly is an adverb and must modify an adjective or verb; use the adjective 'new' to modify a noun directly.

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