Deadly
ˈded.li
Definitions
2 meaningsCausing or capable of causing death; fatal.
ˈded.li
The poison was deadly.
💡 Simply: Imagine a roller coaster that's REALLY rickety and might fall apart mid-ride. That's deadly – something that could seriously hurt or even kill you. It's like a super scary danger level!
👶 For kids: Something that can kill you.
More Examples
He received a deadly blow to the head.
The storm was deadly.
How It's Used
"The disease had a deadly effect on the patient."
"The cobra's venom is deadly."
"They used deadly weapons in the conflict."
Intense or extreme; very serious.
ˈded.li
The silence was deadly.
💡 Simply: Imagine you’re at a really quiet library, and a loud sound would make it feel like the room is super serious - almost dead quiet! That silence could feel deadly serious, meaning super strong and intense.
👶 For kids: Really serious and strong.
More Examples
Her glare was deadly.
The pressure on the team was deadly.
How It's Used
"The silence in the room was deadly."
"He had a deadly serious expression on his face."
Idioms & expressions
deadly earnest
Extremely serious; sincere.
"She was deadly earnest about the proposal."
deadly sin
A very serious moral offense.
"Pride is often considered a deadly sin."
From 'dead' + '-ly' (adjective suffix). The word's earliest recorded use dates back to the late 14th century.
Historically, 'deadly' has often been used in a similar sense to 'fatal' or 'lethal' but also with a connotation of intensity or severity.
Memory tip
Think of something so dangerous it can kill you.