-ly /li/ BrE AmE suffix
[ Language: Old English ; Origin: -lic , -lice ]
1 . [in adverbs] in a particular way:
She smiled happily.
He was walking slowly.
2 . [in adverbs] considered in a particular way:
Politically speaking it was a rather unwise remark.
a financially sound proposal
3 . [in adjectives and adverbs] happening at regular periods of time:
an hourly check (=done every hour)
They visit monthly (=once every month) .
4 . [in adjectives] like a particular thing in manner, nature, or appearance:
with queenly grace
a motherly woman (=showing the love, kindness etc of a mother)