Langimage
English

wryly

|wry-ly|

C1

/ˈraɪli/

(wry)

dry humor

Base FormComparativeSuperlative
wrywrierwriest
Etymology
Etymology Information

'wry' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'wrīgian,' where 'wrī-' meant 'to turn or bend.'

Historical Evolution

'wrīgian' transformed into the Middle English word 'wrye,' and eventually became the modern English word 'wry.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to twist or bend,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'expressing dry humor.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a way that expresses dry, especially mocking, humor.

He smiled wryly at the irony of the situation.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41