foully

English

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English foully, from Old English fūllīċe; by surface analysis, foul +‎ ly.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈfaʊl(l)i/

Adverb

foully (comparative more foully, superlative most foully)

1. In a foul manner; revoltingly.

Middle English

Alternative forms

• fouli, fouly, fowly
• fouliche, fulliche, voulliche (East Anglia, Kent, Southwest Midland)

Etymology

Inherited from Old English fūllīċe (“foully”); by surface analysis, foul (“foul”) +‎ -ly (adverbial suffix).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈfuːl(l)iː/

Adverb

foully (uncommon)

1. Filthily; in a dirty or revolting manner.

   Synonym: foule

2. Harshly, forcefully.

   Synonym: foule

3. Ignominiously, sinfully; in an immoral or shameful way.

   Synonym: foule

4. Unfortunately; through bad luck.

   Synonym: foule

Usage notes

• The usual term for "foully" in Middle English is foule.

Descendants

• English: foully

References

• “fǒul(e, adv.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007.