deathly
From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Etymology
From Middle English dethlich, from Old English dēaþlīċ, equivalent to death + -ly.
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA(key): /ˈdɛθli/
Audio (Southern England): (file)
Adjective
deathly (comparative deathlier or more deathly, superlative deathliest or most deathly)
- Appearing as though dead, or on the verge of death.
- He has a deathly pallor.
- 1816 June – 1817 April/May (date written), [Mary Shelley], chapter VI, in Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. […], volume III, London: […] [Macdonald and Son] for Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor, & Jones, published 1 January 1818, →OCLC, page 120:
- I rushed towards her, and embraced her with ardour; but the deathly languor and coldness of the limbs told me, that what I now held in my arms had ceased to be the Elizabeth whom I had loved and cherished.
- Deadly, fatal, causing death.
- Extreme.
- He has a deathly fear of crocodiles.
Derived terms
Translations
appearing as though dead
fatal, causing death
|
extreme
|
Adverb
deathly (comparative more deathly, superlative most deathly)
- In a way that resembles death.
- He was deathly pale.
- Extremely, dreadfully.
- The water was deathly cold.
- He was deathly afraid of crocodiles.
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