darkly

adverb

dark·​ly ˈdär-klē How to pronounce darkly (audio)
sometimes -er/-est
Synonyms of darklynext
: in a dark manner: such as
a
: obscurely, vaguely, mysteriously
darkly sensing the presence of someone
b
: with dimmed or obscured vision : dimly
seeing a ship but darkly against the horizon
c
: with a dark or blackish color
the storm clouds gathered darkly
d
: with a dark, gloomy, or menacing look or manner
glancing darkly at his opponent
e
: in the dark : secretly
thoughts held darkly in his mind

Word History

Etymology

Middle English derkly, from Old English deorclīce (attested only in the meaning "horridly, foully"), from deorc dark + -līce -ly

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Cite this Entry

“Darkly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/darkly. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.

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