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Definitions

idly

[ahyd-lee] / ˈaɪd li /
ADVERB
lazily
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As he talks, Ness idly strums the latest addition to his collection of guitars: a 1956 Gibson Les Paul Custom that he says cost him $50,000.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

He now spends the long hours idly scrolling through his phone or chatting with neighbours.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Maybe it is plainly shameful to sit idly by, waiting for the police to peel back more layers of abominable detail, so it can be quickly disseminated to a hungry audience.

From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026

This brings to mind the medieval episode of England’s King Henry II idly importuning some knights to rid him of Archbishop Thomas Becket, only to be surprised when they actually did it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

I expected to see someone like Mr. Quon manning the counter, but a young woman was perched on a tall stool behind it, idly fiddling with an abacus.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu




Vocabulary lists containing idly


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