English Dictionary |
HARMLESSLY
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Dictionary entry overview: What does harmlessly mean?
• HARMLESSLY (adverb)
The adverb HARMLESSLY has 1 sense:
Familiarity information: HARMLESSLY used as an adverb is very rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
In a harmless manner
Context example:
this is a harmlessly childish game
Antonym:
harmfully (in a detrimental manner)
Pertainym:
harmless (not causing or capable of causing harm)
Context examples
The crowd roared with delight as Sir Nigel would stoop his head to avoid a blow, or by some slight movement of his body allow some terrible thrust to glance harmlessly past him.
(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
At first their bullets zipped harmlessly along the surface of the water on either side the boat; but, as the men continued to pull lustily, they struck closer and closer.
(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)
Jo sat still, looking as if the fire had come to her, for her cheeks burned long after the cocked hat had turned to smoke and gone harmlessly up the chimney.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
Quite as a matter of course he ducked, and the fist flew harmlessly past, pivoting the man who had driven it.
(Martin Eden, by Jack London)
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