Langimage
English

balletically

|bal-let-ic-ly|

C1

/bælˈɛtɪkli/

(balletic)

resembling ballet; graceful movement

Base FormComparativeSuperlativeAdverb
balleticmore balleticmost balleticballetically
Etymology
Etymology Information

'balletically' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'balletto', where 'ballare' meant 'to dance'.

Historical Evolution

'balletically' changed from Italian 'balletto' into French 'ballet', which entered English as 'ballet'; from that root the adjective 'balletic' and then the adverb 'balletically' were formed.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred to a 'little dance' or the dance itself, but over time it evolved into the modern sense 'in the manner of ballet' (i.e., gracefully).

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a manner characteristic of or resembling ballet; gracefully, with the style or movement of ballet.

She moved balletically across the stage.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2026/01/06 11:02