-ly

a suffix forming adverbs from adjectives: gladly; gradually; secondly. See Grammar note at adverb.
a suffix meaning “every,” attached to certain nouns denoting units of time: hourly; daily.
an adjective suffix meaning “-like”: saintly; cowardly.

Origin of -ly

(adv.) Middle English -li, -lich(e), Old English -līce ( -līc adj. suffix + -e adv. suffix); (adj.) Middle English -li, -ly, -lich(e), Old English -līc (cognate with German -lich), suffixal use of gelīc like1

SYNONYMS FOR -ly

3 See -ish1.

Words nearby -ly

-lived, -log, -logic, -logue, -logy, -ly, -lyse, -lysis, -lyte, -lytic, -lyze

British Dictionary definitions for -ly (1 of 2)

-ly 1

suffix forming adjectives

having the nature or qualities of brotherly; godly
occurring at certain intervals; every daily; yearly

Word Origin for -ly

Old English -lic

British Dictionary definitions for -ly (2 of 2)

-ly 2

suffix forming adverbs

in a certain manner; to a certain degree quickly; recently; chiefly

Word Origin for -ly

Old English -lice, from -lic -ly 1