DUMBLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does dumbly mean? 

• DUMBLY (adverb)
  The adverb DUMBLY has 2 senses:

1. in a stupid manner

2. in an inarticulate manner

  Familiarity information: DUMBLY used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DUMBLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a stupid manner

Synonyms:

densely; dumbly; obtusely

Context example:

he had so rapaciously desired and so obtusely expected to find her alone

Pertainym:

dumb (slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity)

Sense 2

Meaning:

In an inarticulate manner

Context example:

I nodded dumbly and he slit the envelope

Pertainym:

dumb (temporarily incapable of speaking)

 Context examples 

She gnawed her lower lip and fumed dumbly.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

Amy found Grace a well-mannered, merry, little person, and after staring dumbly at one another for a few minutes, they suddenly became very good friends.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)