Icily

/ˈaɪsɪli/

Meaning & Definition

adverb

In a cold, aloof, or unfriendly manner.

She responded icily to his attempt at small talk.

In a manner that suggests coldness or lack of warmth.

The teacher looked at the disruptive student icily, making it clear that his behavior was unacceptable.

In a manner that is devoid of emotion or warmth.

He icily dismissed her concerns without a second thought.

With an attitude that is unfriendly or unwelcoming.

The receptionist greeted him icily, leaving him uncertain about his appointment.

In a way that suggests frostiness or chill.

The two former friends spoke icily to each other at the reunion.

Derived from 'ice' combined with the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

speak icily

To speak in a cold and unfriendly manner.

icily polite

Being polite in a cold or detached way.

ice

a form of water frozen into a solid state.

icy

having a surface covered with ice or resembling ice.

To act coldly as a defense mechanism.

She was icily reserved after the breakup.

To shut someone out emotionally.

He totally icily ghosted her after that argument.