BLANDLY

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does blandly mean? 

• BLANDLY (adverb)
  The adverb BLANDLY has 1 sense:

1. in a bland manner

  Familiarity information: BLANDLY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• BLANDLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a bland manner

Context example:

his blandly incompetent attempts

Pertainym:

bland (lacking stimulating characteristics; uninteresting)

 Context examples 

“It’s no use, John Clay,” said Holmes blandly. “You have no chance at all.”

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

"It's only me, Sir, come to return a book," she said blandly, as she entered.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

“Come in, Sherlock! Come in, sir,” said he blandly, smiling at our surprised faces.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I tried to get him to talk of the incident, but he blandly asked me questions as to what I meant, and led me to believe that he was completely oblivious of the affair.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

I protested that I had no views of that sort, and that no such scheme was entertained in my behalf by anybody; but Uriah insisted on blandly replying to all my assurances, Oh, yes, Master Copperfield, I should think you would, indeed! and, Oh, indeed, Master Copperfield, I should think you would, certainly! over and over again.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

“You will excuse me,” said Holmes blandly, “but I could not help overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. I think that I could be of assistance to you.”

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Jo sat as if blandly unconscious of it all, with deportment like Maud's face, 'icily regular, splendidly null'.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

“Indeed, Doctor,” said Holmes blandly.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

"Saint Laurence on a gridiron," added Laurie, blandly finishing the sentence.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)