Sneakily Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈniːkeɪlɪ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adverb

Definition

A sneaky and skillful individual who is able to achieve their goals without being detected.

Examples

• The sneakily thief managed to steal the diamond without being caught.
• She sneakily added an extra scoop of ice cream without anyone noticing.
• The athlete sneakily trained for the marathon without revealing his strategy.
• The chef sneakily seasoned the dish with a secret spice blend.
• The detective sneakily gathered evidence without alerting the suspect.
• The artist sneakily added a hidden message to the painting.

Etymology

The word “Sneakily” originated from the Old English word “snīcian”, meaning “to sneak” or “to slip”. It has since evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including the idea of being skillful and secretive.

Usage Notes

“Sneakily” is often used to describe actions that are carried out quietly or secretly, often for a specific purpose or goal. It can also be used to describe someone who is able to achieve their goals without being detected or noticed.

Cultural References

“Sneakily” has been featured in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, the phrase “sneakily up” has been used in the popular TV show “Game of Thrones” to describe a character’s stealthy approach to a situation.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• to sneakily take something
• to sneakily do something
• sneakily up on someone

Related Words or Phrases

• Stealthily
• Mysteriously
• Cunningly

Collocations

• to sneakily take
• to sneakily do
• to sneakily get away

Frequency of Use

“Sneakily” is a relatively common word in modern language, especially in contexts where stealth or secrecy is relevant. However, its frequency of use varies depending on the context and the intended meaning.

Common Misspellings

• Sneekily
• Sneekly