ashily
|ash-i-ly|
/ˈæʃɪli/
(ashy)
resembling ash; pale gray
Etymology
'ashily' originates from English, specifically from the adjective 'ashy' (formed from the noun 'ash') combined with the adverbial suffix '-ly', where 'ash' meant 'residue of burning; ash (powder left after burning)'.
'ashily' changed from Middle English forms related to 'ashy' + '-ly' (Middle English 'ash(i)li' / 'ashily') and ultimately became the modern English adverb 'ashily'. The noun 'ash' comes from Old English 'æsc'.
Initially it meant 'in the manner of ash' or 'like ash'; over time it has been used more specifically to describe pale, gray, or soot‑covered appearances (and dry, flaky skin) and now means 'in an ashy manner'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner resembling or covered with ash; with a pale, gray, or soot‑covered appearance (often of skin, face, or surface).
After the fire, their faces looked ashily gray.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/28 07:04