Langimage
English

archedly

|arched-ly|

C2

🇺🇸

/ˈɑrtʃt/

🇬🇧

/ˈɑːtʃt/

in a curved/arched way

Etymology
Etymology Information

'archedly' originates from English, specifically formed from the adjective 'arched' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Historical Evolution

'arched' developed in Middle English as the past-participle/adjective from the verb 'arch' (relating to a bow or curve), the root of which is traceable to Latin 'arcus' ('bow, arc') via Romance languages before becoming established in English; the adverbial form 'archedly' is derived by adding '-ly' to the adjective.

Meaning Changes

Initially it described a literal curved or bow-like shape ('in the form of a bow/arc'); over time it has also been used figuratively to describe a sly or knowing manner ('in a teasing or arch way').

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a curved or bowed shape; in a manner that forms an arch.

The doorway was archedly framed, giving the entry a classical look.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adverb 2

in a deliberately playful, sly, or knowing manner (used figuratively, overlapping with 'archly').

She smiled archedly, hinting that she knew more than she let on.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2026/01/14 11:41