Cleanly
/ˈkliːnli/
adverbBeginner📊CommonAction
1 meaning1 question
Definitions
1
In a way that is free from dirt, marks, or impurities.
/ˈkliːnli/
adverbneutralBeginner
Action
In a clean manner; thoroughly
He shaved cleanly, leaving no stubble.
💡 Simply: Imagine wiping a spill so perfectly that there's not a trace left—that's cleanly!
👶 For kids: Doing something without making a mess.
More Examples
2
The car was cleaned cleanly, inside and out.
How It's Used
Household chores
"She cleaned the kitchen cleanly."
Surgery
"The surgeon performed the operation cleanly."
From Middle English *clenly, from Old English *clæne + -lice (adverbial suffix). The root signifies 'pure' or 'clean'.
The word 'cleanly' has maintained a consistent meaning throughout its history, emphasizing thoroughness and lack of mess.
Memory tip
Think of a 'clean' slate, implying thoroughness.
Word Origin
Original meaning
"pure, clean"
Base: clean
cleanly shavedcleanly cutcleanly written
Common misspellings
cleanleycleenly
Practice
Usage
30%Spoken
70%Written