English Dictionary |
ABLY
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Dictionary entry overview: What does ably mean?
• ABLY (adverb)
The adverb ABLY has 1 sense:
1. with competence; in a competent capable manner
Familiarity information: ABLY used as an adverb is very rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
With competence; in a competent capable manner
Synonyms:
ably; aptly; capably; competently
Context example:
they worked competently
Pertainym:
able (have the skills and qualifications to do things well)
Context examples
Judge Blount ably seconded him, and Martin, whose ears had pricked at the first mention of the philosopher's name, listened to the judge enunciate a grave and complacent diatribe against Spencer.
(Martin Eden, by Jack London)
After some breakage of the office furniture, the editor (an ex-college athlete), ably assisted by the business manager, an advertising agent, and the porter, succeeded in removing Martin from the office and in accelerating, by initial impulse, his descent of the first flight of stairs.
(Martin Eden, by Jack London)
Every moment was drive, drive, drive, and Joe was the masterful shepherd of moments, herding them carefully, never losing one, counting them over like a miser counting gold, working on in a frenzy, toil-mad, a feverish machine, aided ably by that other machine that thought of itself as once having been one Martin Eden, a man.
(Martin Eden, by Jack London)
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