In a state of inactivity, without purpose or effect; lazily or carelessly. This adverb describes actions performed with a lack of effort, engagement, or serious intent. It often implies time is being wasted or misused. It can relate to physical movement, like wandering around without a clear goal, or mental activity, such as thinking or speaking without real concentration or meaningful contribution. The implication may be negative, suggesting procrastination or indifference, or neutral, describing casual observation or leisure.
Idly meaning with examples
- She sat idly by the window, watching the rain fall and letting her thoughts drift. Days, even weeks, would melt away into a similar haze. The beauty of the world felt wasted on her, as she could only watch the day go by. There was a time when she was active, alive, but it felt like another life.
- The bored children idly kicked a can down the street, their faces showing no particular emotion or enthusiasm. Nothing much excited them and there wasn't much for them to do where they lived. The neighborhood lacked character, as did the activities within it.
- He spent his afternoon idly flipping through channels on the television, unable to find anything that captured his attention. Even the action movies became too much for him, and he would fall asleep as his mind drifted away. All he wanted was to feel the peace of nothing.
- The detective, known for his sharp mind, idly tapped his pen on the table while listening to the suspect's convoluted story. Even though he looked uninterested, he was working at a fever pitch to crack his story. He knew the man was lying. And he'd get the truth.
Idly Synonyms
aimlessly carelessly fruitlessly indolently lazily leisurely pointlessly unproductivelyIdly Antonyms
actively attentively busily diligently eagerly efficiently industriously purposefullyIdly Crossword Answers
6 Letters
LAZILY
10 Letters
INDOLENTLY
11 Letters
FRIVOLOUSLY OFFHANDEDLY