ARTFULLY

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does artfully mean? 

• ARTFULLY (adverb)
  The adverb ARTFULLY has 3 senses:

1. in an artful manner

2. in a disingenuous manner

3. in an artful manner

  Familiarity information: ARTFULLY used as an adverb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ARTFULLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In an artful manner

Context example:

her foot pointed artfully toward tapering toes

Pertainym:

artful (marked by skill in achieving a desired end especially with cunning or craft)

Sense 2

Meaning:

In a disingenuous manner

Synonyms:

artfully; disingenuously

Context example:

disingenuously, he asked leading questions about his opponent's work

Pertainym:

artful (not straightforward or candid; giving a false appearance of frankness)

Sense 3

Meaning:

In an artful manner

Synonyms:

artfully; craftily; cunningly; foxily; knavishly; slyly; trickily

Context example:

had ever circumstances conspired so cunningly?

Pertainym:

artful (marked by skill in achieving a desired end especially with cunning or craft)

 Context examples 

Another night adventure. Renfield artfully waited until the attendant was entering the room to inspect. Then he dashed out past him and flew down the passage.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

Yet thus much I may be allowed to say in my own vindication, that I artfully eluded many of his questions, and gave to every point a more favourable turn, by many degrees, than the strictness of truth would allow.

(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)

The idea of his returning no more Elizabeth treated with the utmost contempt. It appeared to her merely the suggestion of Caroline's interested wishes, and she could not for a moment suppose that those wishes, however openly or artfully spoken, could influence a young man so totally independent of everyone.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

Now, Laurie felt just then that his heart was entirely broken and the world a howling wilderness, but at the sound of certain words which the old gentleman artfully introduced into his closing sentence, the broken heart gave an unexpected leap, and a green oasis or two suddenly appeared in the howling wilderness.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

After a very short search, you will discover a division in the tapestry so artfully constructed as to defy the minutest inspection, and on opening it, a door will immediately appear—which door, being only secured by massy bars and a padlock, you will, after a few efforts, succeed in opening—and, with your lamp in your hand, will pass through it into a small vaulted room.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

Finally, the conversation turned to music—I am not sure that my uncle did not artfully bring it there, and the Prince, hearing from him of my tastes, would have it that I should then and there sit down at the wonderful little piano, all inlaid with mother-of-pearl, which stood in the corner, and play him the accompaniment to his song.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

During one of the brief calls he made, he artfully led the conversation to music, and talked away about great singers whom he had seen, fine organs he had heard, and told such charming anecdotes that Beth found it impossible to stay in her distant corner, but crept nearer and nearer, as if fascinated.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)