English Dictionary

HARMLESSLY

Pronunciation (US): Play  (GB): Play

IPA (US): 

 Dictionary entry overview: What does harmlessly mean? 

HARMLESSLY (adverb)
  The adverb HARMLESSLY has 1 sense:

1. in a harmless mannerplay

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


 Dictionary entry details 


HARMLESSLY (adverb)


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)



 Learn English with... Proverbs 
"Everything's eventual." (English proverb)

"Drop by drop would make a lake." (Azerbaijani proverb)

"If three people tell you that you are drunk, you better lie down." (American proverb)

"Many small creeks make a big river." (Danish proverb)



ALSO IN ENGLISH DICTIONARY:


© 2000-2023 AudioEnglish.org | AudioEnglish® is a Registered Trademark | Terms of use and privacy policy
Contact