How Do You Spell BADLY?

Pronunciation: [bˈadli] (IPA)

The word "badly" is spelled with four letters, but it can be tricky to pronounce for non-native English speakers. The correct transcription in IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is /ˈbædli/. The phonetic symbols show that the first syllable is pronounced with a short vowel “a” sound, followed by a voiced consonant “d”. The second syllable starts with an unvoiced “l” sound and ends with a long i sound. Pronouncing “badly” correctly is important for clear communication in English.

BADLY Meaning and Definition

  1. "Badly" is an adverb that can carry different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. One common usage of the word is to describe something that has been done poorly or in an unsatisfactory manner. For example, it may refer to an action, a performance, or an outcome that is below average or lacks proficiency. In this sense, "badly" can indicate a level of incompetence, inefficiency, or failure.

    Additionally, "badly" can also describe a situation that is severe or serious in nature. It is used to emphasize the intense or undesirable nature of an event or circumstance, often involving negative consequences or significant damage. For instance, if someone is injured or in a critical condition, it can be said that they are "badly hurt."

    Furthermore, "badly" can convey a sense of urgency or great desire when talking about a particular need or want. It suggests a strong motivation or craving for something. For instance, if one "badly wants" a promotion, it implies a deep longing or eagerness for that goal to be achieved.

    Overall, "badly" serves as an adverb that typically denotes poor quality, severity, or intense desire in different contexts. Its versatility allows it to adapt to various situations, enabling it to effectively convey a wide range of meanings.

  2. Not well.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for BADLY *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for BADLY

Etymology of BADLY

The word "badly" originated from the Middle English word "badli" which dates back to the late 14th century. It is a combination of the word "bad" (meaning "not good") and the suffix "-ly" (used to form adverbs). The suffix "-ly" in this context is derived from the Old English "-lice" which also means "like" or "similar to". Therefore, the word "badly" describes performing an action or doing something in a manner that is not good or unfavorable.

Idioms with the word BADLY

  • go badly with sm or sth The idiom "go badly with someone or something" means to have a negative outcome or result in relation to a person or thing. It implies that a situation, event, or action has not turned out well or as expected, leading to disappointment, failure, or negative consequences.
  • come out badly The idiom "come out badly" means to have a negative outcome, result, or ending. It refers to a situation or event that does not turn out as expected or desired, usually resulting in problems, failure, or negative consequences.
  • be badly off for something The idiom "be badly off for something" means to be lacking or in short supply of something, typically essential or necessary items or resources. It refers to a situation where there is a significant scarcity or scarcity of a particular thing.
  • badly off The idiom "badly off" means to be in a poor or unfavorable situation, usually referring to one's financial condition or overall state of well-being. It implies a state of having limited resources, struggling, or experiencing hardship.
  • badly off for (something) The idiom "badly off for (something)" means to have a lack or shortage of something. It suggests that someone or something is in a poor or difficult state due to not having enough of a particular thing.
  • do badly by (someone) The idiom "do badly by (someone)" refers to treating someone poorly or unfairly, usually in terms of taking advantage of their trust, kindness, or vulnerability. It implies that one has acted in a manner that disregards the well-being, interests, or needs of another person, resulting in negative consequences for them.
  • go badly with someone or something The idiom "go badly with someone or something" generally refers to a situation where someone or something experiences an unfavorable or unsuccessful outcome. It denotes an unfortunate or negative turn of events, often indicating an individual or object's lack of success, compatibility, or harmony within a particular context or relationship.
  • reflect well, badly, etc. on somebody/something The idiom "reflect well, badly, etc. on somebody/something" means to have a positive, negative, or certain kind of impact on someone or something. It refers to how an action, decision, or situation affects the reputation, perception, or judgment of a person, group, or thing. The idiom's usage implies that the consequences or outcomes will have an influence on how the individual or subject is regarded by others.
  • go badly with The idiom "go badly with" means that two or more things do not complement or harmonize well together, resulting in an unfavorable or unsuccessful outcome. It implies a lack of compatibility or synergy between different elements.
  • go down badly The idiom "go down badly" means to be received or perceived negatively or poorly by someone or a group of people. It refers to a situation where something, such as an action, statement, or event, is not well-liked, accepted, or approved of by others, resulting in a negative reaction or consequences.
  • be badly turned out The definition of the idiom "be badly turned out" is to have a poor or untidy appearance, often referring to one's personal grooming or style of dressing. It implies that the person does not look presentable or well put-together.
  • be badly ˈoff
  • be well, badly, etc. turned ˈout
  • go down well, badly, etc. The idiom "go down well, badly, etc." means to be received favorably, unfavorably, etc. by someone, usually in terms of how well something was accepted or liked.

Similar spelling words for BADLY

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