worthilyadv.

Brit.

/ˈwəːðᵻli/, U.S.

/ˈwərðəli/

Forms:

α. Middle English wordylye, Middle English worthili, Middle English worthiliche, Middle English worththily, Middle English worþili, Middle English worþiliche, Middle English worþily, Middle English worþilyche, Middle English worþyly, Middle English wurthilyche, Middle English wurthyly, Middle English 1600s wordily, Middle English–1600s worthylye, Middle English–1700s worthyly, Middle English– worthily, 1500s woorthily, 1500s–1600s worthielie, 1500s–1600s worthilie, 1500s–1600s worthylie; also Scottish pre-1700 vordily, pre-1700 worthylie.

β. early Middle English wurðelice, early Middle English wurðeliche, early Middle English wurðelike, Middle English worthele, Middle English wortheli, Middle English worthelich, Middle English wortheliche, Middle English worþeli, Middle English worþely, Middle English wurthelie, Middle English wurthely, Middle English–1600s worthelie, Middle English–1700s worthely, 1500s woorthely, 1500s wortherly (perhaps transmission error), 1500s wourthely, 1500s–1600s worthelye; also Scottish pre-1700 vorthely, pre-1700 vorthelye, pre-1700 wordalie, pre-1700 wordely, pre-1700 wourthely.

Origin: Formed within English, by derivation. Etymons: worthy adj., -ly suffix².

Etymology: < worthy adj. + -ly suffix². Compare worthly adv.Some late Middle English and early modern English forms with medial -e- (see β. forms) could alternatively be interpreted as reflecting spellings of worth adj. with final -e , and hence belong instead at worthly adv.

a. Fittingly, appropriately; without injustice or dishonour.

ΘΠ

the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > [adverb] > fittingly or properly

welleOE

fairOE

meetlyOE

rightOE

worthlylOE

haghelyc1175

worthilyc1175

becomelyc1200

properly?c1225

i-semelichec1275

thriftilyc1374

duly1382

sittinglyc1390

justlyc1392

rightfula1400

goodlyc1400

hemelyc1400

meeta1450

statelya1450

ensuingly?1518

handsomely1525

worshipfully1532

decently1552

due1581

meeterly1589

fairly1600

beseemingly1611

dightly1616

becomingly1624

befittingly1638

fittinglya1643

condecently1656

c1175 ( Ælfric Let. to Sigeweard (De Veteri et Novo Test.) (Bodl.) 40 Isayas..witegode be Criste swiðe wislice, swylce he godspellere wære, swiðe wurðelice [OE Laud gewyrdelice].

?a1425 tr. Catherine of Siena Orcherd of Syon (Harl.) (1966) 389 (MED) He took upon him þe office of my sone, so þat in þe world he was worþily clepid apostil, bycause wiþ riȝt greet truþe he sewe my word.

a1500 (?a1422) J. Lydgate Life Our Lady (Adv.) in W. B. D. D. Turnbull Visions of Tundale (1843) 95 (MED) For he com for owr saluacion..He hath of Jesus full worthily the name.

1553 R. Eden in tr. S. Münster Treat. Newe India Ded. sig. aav My trauayl herein coulde no wayes be more worthely bestowed.

1565 T. Stapleton Fortresse of Faith f. 14 Here a man not knowing the mistery, might worthely be astonned.

1642 J. Eaton Honey-combe Free Justific. 68 That new distinction..is the more worthily to be suspected for a corrupter of the Gospel.

1740 Biographia Classica I. 18 He may worthily be compared to Homer, for his sprightly Thoughts.

1838 Actors by Gaslight 1 Sept. 155 He, of the Thespian ‘dog hole’, (as it was then worthily termed) had, upon various former occasions, been enlightened by the countenance of the young chandler.

a1854 H. Reed Lect. Brit. Poets (1857) iii. 81 The calendar which opens so nobly with the name of Chaucer, closes worthily in our day with that of Wordsworth.

1919 Outing Mar. 287 It's a word that's much abused—sportsman—but never has it been worn more worthily..than by Theodore Roosevelt.

1967 J. Yoors Gypsies xv. 247 We wondered where Pulika planned to find safe shelter for as large a band as the present one, where we could worthily celebrate our reunion before separating again into small traveling units.

2010 N.Z. Herald (Nexis) 21 Aug. Gourmet was not a word that could be worthily bestowed on many New Zealand eateries.

b. According to one's merit (or demerit); as one deserves; deservedly, justly, rightly.

(a) With reference to blame, punishment, or misfortune. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > morality > dueness or propriety > [adverb] > deservedly > by demerit

worthilya1382

condignlyc1450

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1965) Wisd. xvi. 1 For þese & lijc thingis to þese: worþily þey suffreden tormentis.

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. vi. xvii. 316 Dauid blameþ worthiliche þe oþir seruantis of king Saul þat were slepinge.

?a1425 tr. Catherine of Siena Orcherd of Syon (Harl.) (1966) 132 (MED) Neuerþelees synne..schal be correctid in anoþir place, but if it be worþily poneschid here by duwe and parfiȝt contricioun.

1509 A. Barclay Brant's Shyp of Folys (Pynson) f. ciii But suche youth..worthely lyue in brawlynge stryfe and payne.

1549 R. Crowley Voyce Laste Trumpet sig. Av But if thou wilt be still sturdy..The Lord shal plage the worthely.

1592 R. Greene Repentance sig. D3 I haue so often offended thee that I haue worthely deserued death.

1624 T. Heywood Γυναικεῖον iv. 188 As the processe of her life was in many passages therof worthily infamous.

1660 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. III. v. 272 Ingratitude is worthily hatefull to all men.

1785 W. Cowper Tirocinium in Task 404 Egregious purpose! worthily begun In barb'rous prostitution of your son.

1829 W. Scott Rob Roy (new ed.) I. Introd. p. xxii MacGregor, with a great many of the leading men of the clan, worthily executed to death for their offences.

1833 W. Godwin Deloraine III. ix. 138 He had in consequence, and worthily, suffered the last penalty of the law in the face of his countrymen.

1938 E. S. Duckett Gateway to Middle Ages v. 253 This criminal, however, was worthily punished when he was seized with fever and his whole body burned black as a coal.

(b) With reference to praise, reward, or good fortune.

ΘΠ

society > morality > dueness or propriety > [adverb] > deservedly

righteouslya1382

worthilyc1405

condignlyc1450

meritorilyc1503

gradely?1521

deservedly1548

deservingly1552

deservably1593

desertfully1601

meritoriously1607

meritedly1638

justly1849

c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Clerk's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 1022 They wondren what she myghte be..And worthily they preysen hir prudence.

1447 O. Bokenham Lives of Saints (Arun.) (1938) l. 326 This blyssyd mayde Margrete wurthyly Be these sexe vertuhs to heuene dede stye.

a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) Prol. 3 We menge wordis of louynge sa that worthily he may trow him.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) 1 Chron. xvii. C For the Lorde is greate, and can not worthely be praysed.

1548 G. Patten (title) The expedicion into Scotlande of the most woorthely fortunate prince Edward.

1595 E. Spenser Colin Clouts come Home Againe sig. C Or be their pipes vntunable and craesie, That they cannot her honour worthilie?

1617 F. Moryson Itinerary i. 109 The other wines of this Country..and all the other fruits cannot be worthily praised.

1642 D. Rogers Naaman Ep. Ded. sig. A2 For all men to cast their eyes upon, and that worthily; for most costly and pretious was their matter.

1695 Ld. Preston tr. Boethius Of Consol. Philos. ii. 62 That which cannot be taken away is worthily esteemed the most excellent.

1753 tr. T. De Jesus Sufferings our Lord Jesus Christ I. xi. 333 As thou hast ordained, that when I merit any thing with thee, I cannot be worthily recompensed, unless thou thyself art my recompence.

1825 J. Neal Brother Jonathan II. 2 We know of no case..wherein he [sc. the Wild Man] is worthily represented.

1866 C. Kingsley Hereward the Wake I. ix. 213 His father..promised him the succession,—which indeed he had worthily deserved.

1924 A. J. Macself Flowering Trees & Shrubs x. 134 Formerly known as Weigelas, a name indeed still familiarly used, the Diervillas are worthily held in high esteem.

2014 Express (Nexis) 10 Mar. 63 Courtney Lawes worthily took the man-of-the match gong.

†2.

a. With due dignity, courtesy, or reverence; with due pomp or splendour; richly, splendidly. Obsolete.

ΘΠ

the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > splendour, magnificence, or pomp > [adverb]

worthlyeOE

worthlyOE

worthily?c1225

reallya1375

proudc1384

riallya1387

royallyc1405

proudly?a1425

rialc1425

stately?a1439

personably1481

sumptuouslyc1487

magnificentlya1552

majestically1577

in state1580

palatially1867

?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 133 Haschule beon inheouene oðer oðercunnes folc wurðeliche ihechȝed.

a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 1518 Ðor he was for his faderes luue Holden wurðelike a wel a-buuen.

a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 4290 With a real route he rod hire a-ȝens, & worþili hire he wolcomed.

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) ii. l. 2649 (MED) The dede body wel and faire Thei carie til thei come at Kaire, Wher he was worthily begrave.

c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 72 When þay had waschen worthyly, þay wenten to sete.

c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 1877 Duc Theseus..conueyed the kynges worthily Out of his toun.

c1450 Alphabet of Tales (1904) I. 177 (MED) Becauce þat he wold com wurthelie vnto þe cetie, he..stale þe prestis hors & his cloke.

?c1450 Brut (Trin. Cambr.) (1908) 486 Lordes and ladyes were worthely served thurgh all the Court.

a1500 (?a1450) Gesta Romanorum (Harl. 7333) (1879) 11 Thei buryed þe body of þe knyȝt, worthely among hem in a newe sepulcre.

1522 Worlde & Chylde (de Worde) (1909) sig. A.ii I am not worthely wrapped nor went But powerly prycked in pouerte.

c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 27^v Priam..a pales gert make..ffull worthely wroght & by wit caste.

b. Becomingly, elegantly. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > refinement > elegance > [adverb]

finec1400

worthilyc1400

nicelyc1450

handsomely1530

smicklyc1639

elegantly1753

neat1755

c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 144 Bot[h] his wombe & his wast were worthily smale.

a. In a manner befitting a person of high standing or character; in accordance with one's own dignity or personal worth; honourably, nobly; virtuously.

ΘΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > good repute > reputability or honourableness > [adverb]

worthlyeOE

menskful?c1225

menskly?c1225

dignelyc1315

honestly1340

menskfullya1375

worshipfullya1375

worthilyc1384

creditably1648

reputablya1689

respectably1770

smirchless1848

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Ephes. iv. 1 So I..byseche, that ȝe walke worthily in the clepinge, in which ȝe ben clepid.

a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1881) ii. l. 186 Men tellen þat he doth In armes day by day so worþily..þat alle prys hath he.

?c1450 (?a1400) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 380 Heliye left þe grete richesse..& tooke worþili þe pore ordenance..þat a goode man & his wyfe proferid to hym.

?1473 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Recuyell Hist. Troye (1894) II. lf. 230^v Hercules and theseus did worthyly and digne of memorye.

c1475 tr. C. de Pisan Livre du Corps de Policie (Cambr.) (1977) 108 (MED) Nexte vnto the char went the men that had born them beste and moste worthely in the batayle.

a1500 (?a1450) Gesta Romanorum (Harl. 7333) (1879) 258 (MED) Alle thei wer contente of this mariage, because that he so deliuerlye & worthely deliuerid hem fro hir thraldom.

1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) ii. 259 Al this sayde worshyp was done vnto oure lady..by cause she had worthyly ouercome the fende.

?1553 H. Dekyn tr. Herman V of Wied Brefe Declar. Dewty Maried Folkes sig. Cii Thys blessed state of matrymonye..I exhorte you..that you walke worthily therin.

1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. ii. sig. Aa6 Well may I certes such an one thee read, As by thy worth thou worthily hast wonne.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) ii. ii. 107 Worthily spoken Mecenas.

a1629 W. Hinde Faithfull Remonstr. (1641) xxxi. 97 He that had done so worthily at Ephrata, became famous in Bethlehem.

1785 W. Cowper Task v. 807 The soul that sees Him,..learns at least t' employ More worthily the pow'rs she own'd before.

1797 T. Harwood Alumni Etonenses 119 He was attached for Treason, but cleared himself very worthily of the charge.

1807 G. Chalmers Caledonia I. iii. vii. 380 He worthily fell, in fighting for his people.

1858 J. G. Holland Titcomb's Lett. vii. 157 An incident of a life worthily spent.

1886 Manch. Examiner 8 Feb. 5/5 The office he has long worthily held as parliamentary secretary to the Trades' Union Congress.

1916 Office Appliances Sept. 62/2 His was the self-appointed duty to see that everyone enjoyed himself to the utmost, and by precept and example he worthily fulfilled his task.

1963 A. Rich Snapshots of Daughter-in-law 64 It is possible to live worthily to maintain your attitudes to hold your position to die bravely.

2002 Age (Melbourne) (Nexis) 27 July 6 UN commissioner Mary Robinson, typically and worthily, condemned the attack... Hers was the only condemnation that was not wet, weak and mealy-mouthed.

b. In a manner worthy of; so as to be worthy of.In quot. 1881 with ellipsis of of.When modifying walk often with allusion to, or as an echo of, Ephesians 4:1 (cf. quot. 1526 at worthy adv. and quot. c1384 at sense 3a); cf. also Colossians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 2:12.

1605 R. Smith Answer to T. Bels Challeng 224 We walke worthely of God, and become worthy of Gods kingdome.

a1768 T. Secker Lect. Catech. (1769) I. ii. 21 It may admonish them, that having conferred the Title of Christians upon us, they are bound to endeavour, that we may behave worthily of it.

1778 A. Adams Let. 8 Mar. (1840) 118 Enjoin it upon him, never to disgrace his mother, and to behave worthily of his father.

1841 W. L. Garrison in W. P. Garrison & F. J. Garrison Life W. L. Garrison (1889) III. 15 There are..some..who do not walk worthily of their profession.

1881 F. T. Palgrave Visions of Eng. 237 Oft hast thou acted thy part, My country, worthily thee!

1920 National Service June 347/2 Re-establishment of commercial relations..would be jeopardized by failure of the Allies to act worthily of themselves.

2015 Sc. Catholic Observer 9 Oct. 7/2 It is therefore our duty and our honour to behave worthily of having been created by God and loved into existence by him.

†4. At a proper rate or value. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > monetary value > [adverb] > at proper value

worthilya1393

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) ii. l. 604 As thei come To hire..To schewen such thing as thei broghte; Whiche worthili of hem sche boghte.

5. With reference to Christian practices: with due devotion or reverence; in a fitting spirit; reverently, devoutly.

ΘΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > reverence > [adverb]

worthlyOE

reverentlya1382

worthilyc1400

worshippinglyc1475

reverendlyc1480

venerablyc1610

reverentially1644

worshipfully1863

veneratinglyc1925

society > morality > dueness or propriety > [adverb] > deservedly > by merit

worthilyc1400

c1400 Bk. to Mother (Bodl.) 147 (MED) Preie Crist þat he weshe clene þi fet and so ȝeue þe grace to worþiliche þenke on his preciouse Sacrement þat he made at his soper of bred and wyn.

c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Parson's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) §311 Men may also refreyne venial synne by receyuynge worthily of the precious [printed percious] body of Ihu crist.

c1450 tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Lyfe Manhode (Cambr.) (1869) 42 And if this bred thou wolt nempne and clepe wel and wurthilyche j sey it is bred of lyf.

a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) xiv. §1. 50 Lord wha sall won in thi tabernakile, that is wha worthily lufis the here.

1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. MMMii^v Clennesse of hert, wherby they may worthely, laude and prayse god.

?1537 Hugh of Caumpedene tr. Hist. Kyng Boccus F.iv^v Yf this word be worthely spoken It shalbe hard fro erth to heuen.

1565 T. Harding Answere to Iuelles Chalenge 132 By the vertue and efficacie of this Sacrament duely and worthely received.

1610 J. Healey tr. St. Augustine Citie of God xv. xxiii. 563 Wee do worthily beleeue that the 70. had the spirit of prophecy.

1737 D. Waterland Rev. Doctr. Eucharist Introd. 22 They are supposed, when worthily performed, to carry in them all dutiful Allegiance to God.

1747 J. J. Hornyold Sacraments Explain'd 56 A second Thing required, is the State of Grace, without which, no one can worthily receive this Sacrament.

1755 E. Young Centaur i. 11 As to God, they say, ‘The natural religion commands us to think worthily, and speak reverently, of Him’.

1850 J. M. Neale Hist. Holy Eastern Church: Pt. 1 I. iii. v. 515 This is a short supplication that God would endue them who are about to be communicants with all the dispositions of mind necessary to their communicating worthily.

1992 L. Taylor Soldiers of Christ vii. 137 For the person who worthily took communion, wondrous results followed.

2002 Furrow 53 286 The Eucharist is a sacrament, which means that it has a symbolic and ritual aspect. So if the symbolism is defective then the sacrament is not worthily celebrated.

6. So as to be worthwhile; to good effect; with profit.Sometimes difficult to distinguish from sense 1a.

1724 S. Switzer et al. Pract. Fruit-gardener 90 The Chevereuse..or Goat-Peach, may worthily be brought into the Productions of this Month.

1757 J. H. Grose Voy. E.-Indies xiii. 312 To fix..[their attention] unremoveably on the only idea they think can worthily fill their minds.

1849 W. E. Hickson Malthus 77 The precise order of that progression is an object of inquiry that may worthily occupy the noblest faculties of the mind.

1866 Reader 12 May 476 The hanging committee could not possibly have found artists to occupy them so worthily.

1914 W. R. M. Lamb Clio Enthroned ii. 51 Form and substance alike offer mines of precious meaning, could they be worthily explored.

1934 D. Thomas Let. 7 June (1987) 142 You have most worthily demonstrated the fact that a local newspaper need not exclusively confine itself to..running commentaries on the gradual break down of the parish pump.

1983 Relig. Stud. 19 106 Within its admitted limits this volume could worthily shape the direction of future studies well into the next century.

2005 Jerusalem Rep. (Nexis) 30 May 42 The sleek pleasure derived from the smoothness of Schwartz's polished prose might have been worthily exchanged for the jagged conversations between variant versions, contradictions and tales in different registers.

7. Chiefly British. In negative sense: in a manner characterized by good or noble intent, but lacking humour, imagination, or excitement. Cf. worthy adj. 10d.Frequently with reference to literary or other artistic works.

ΚΠ

1954 Manch. Guardian 4 Dec. 3/6 Peace-time ‘documentaries’ can be worthily and infernally dull.

1973 New Statesmen 12 Oct. 514/1 Fleet Street's diarists..offered little choice between the suggestively trivial and the worthily dreary.

1993 Guardian (Nexis) 6 Mar. 28 [In] an old-fashioned issues play.., a skiving photographer..and an oh so worthily boring reporter..run a weekly freesheet.

2009 Observer (Nexis) 24 May (Review section) 18 Kate Winslet wrestles with issues of Nazi guilt and illiterate sexuality in worthily sombre fashion.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2017; most recently modified version published online December 2021).

单词	worthily
释义	† worthilyadj. Forms: Middle English worthiliche, Middle English worthily, Middle English worthyly, Middle English worþili, Middle English worþiliche, Middle English worþily, Middle English worþilych, Middle English worþyly. Origin: Apparently a variant or alteration of another lexical item. Etymon: worthly adj. Etymology: Apparently an alteration of worthly adj., after worthy adj. Obsolete. = worthy adj. (in various senses); esp. (of a person) honourable, estimable, noble. ΘΠ the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > good repute > reputability or honourableness > [adjective] faireOE wortheOE worthlyeOE worthfulOE menskful?c1225 toldc1275 digne1297 of price?a1300 worshiply1340 worthya1350 menska1375 thriftyc1374 worshipfula1375 worthilya1375 honesta1382 honourablec1384 unshamedc1384 sada1387 of reputationc1390 well-nameda1393 reverent1398 worthy (worshipful, wise) in wanea1400 celebrable?c1400 honouredc1400 worshipablec1425 substantialc1449 undefameda1450 unreviled?1457 honorousa1500 reputed?1532 well-thought-ona1533 well-spoken1539 credible1543 undespised?1548 imitable1550 famous1555 undistained1565 undefame1578 untarred1579 well-reputed1583 unsoiledc1592 dishonourless1595 well-deemed1595 nameworthy1598 regardful1600 indisgraced1606 credenta1616 undishonoureda1616 unscandalized1618 unscandalous1618 unslandered1622 untainted1627 dignousa1636 undisparaged1636 considerable1641 unbranded1641 glorifiable1651 reputable1671 unsullied1743 unstigmatized1778 undisgraced1812 unstained1863 well-thought-of1865 uncompromised1882 scandal-proof1904 cred1987 a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 1642 A! worþiliche wiȝt, wel wo is me nouþe! c1390 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 184 (MED) At his [sc. Christ's] steiȝynge þei stod to stare How cleer in Clouden he cloumben is; What wy in þat worþily wonyng ware. c1400 (?c1380) Pearl l. 846 (MED) Forþy vche saule þat hade neuer teche Is to þat Lombe a worthyly wyf. a1450 York Plays (1885) 369 (MED) Do saie me þe soth..Thy worthyly wille—what it is. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2017; most recently modified version published online June 2022). worthilyadv. Brit. /ˈwəːðᵻli/, U.S. /ˈwərðəli/ Forms: α. Middle English wordylye, Middle English worthili, Middle English worthiliche, Middle English worththily, Middle English worþili, Middle English worþiliche, Middle English worþily, Middle English worþilyche, Middle English worþyly, Middle English wurthilyche, Middle English wurthyly, Middle English 1600s wordily, Middle English–1600s worthylye, Middle English–1700s worthyly, Middle English– worthily, 1500s woorthily, 1500s–1600s worthielie, 1500s–1600s worthilie, 1500s–1600s worthylie; also Scottish pre-1700 vordily, pre-1700 worthylie. β. early Middle English wurðelice, early Middle English wurðeliche, early Middle English wurðelike, Middle English worthele, Middle English wortheli, Middle English worthelich, Middle English wortheliche, Middle English worþeli, Middle English worþely, Middle English wurthelie, Middle English wurthely, Middle English–1600s worthelie, Middle English–1700s worthely, 1500s woorthely, 1500s wortherly (perhaps transmission error), 1500s wourthely, 1500s–1600s worthelye; also Scottish pre-1700 vorthely, pre-1700 vorthelye, pre-1700 wordalie, pre-1700 wordely, pre-1700 wourthely. Origin: Formed within English, by derivation. Etymons: worthy adj., -ly suffix². Etymology: < worthy adj. + -ly suffix². Compare worthly adv.Some late Middle English and early modern English forms with medial -e- (see β. forms) could alternatively be interpreted as reflecting spellings of worth adj. with final -e , and hence belong instead at worthly adv. 1. a. Fittingly, appropriately; without injustice or dishonour. ΘΠ the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > [adverb] > fittingly or properly welleOE fairOE meetlyOE rightOE worthlylOE haghelyc1175 worthilyc1175 becomelyc1200 properly?c1225 i-semelichec1275 thriftilyc1374 duly1382 sittinglyc1390 justlyc1392 rightfula1400 goodlyc1400 hemelyc1400 meeta1450 statelya1450 ensuingly?1518 handsomely1525 worshipfully1532 decently1552 due1581 meeterly1589 fairly1600 beseemingly1611 dightly1616 becomingly1624 befittingly1638 fittinglya1643 condecently1656 c1175 ( Ælfric Let. to Sigeweard (De Veteri et Novo Test.) (Bodl.) 40 Isayas..witegode be Criste swiðe wislice, swylce he godspellere wære, swiðe wurðelice [OE Laud gewyrdelice]. ?a1425 tr. Catherine of Siena Orcherd of Syon (Harl.) (1966) 389 (MED) He took upon him þe office of my sone, so þat in þe world he was worþily clepid apostil, bycause wiþ riȝt greet truþe he sewe my word. a1500 (?a1422) J. Lydgate Life Our Lady (Adv.) in W. B. D. D. Turnbull Visions of Tundale (1843) 95 (MED) For he com for owr saluacion..He hath of Jesus full worthily the name. 1553 R. Eden in tr. S. Münster Treat. Newe India Ded. sig. aav My trauayl herein coulde no wayes be more worthely bestowed. 1565 T. Stapleton Fortresse of Faith f. 14 Here a man not knowing the mistery, might worthely be astonned. 1642 J. Eaton Honey-combe Free Justific. 68 That new distinction..is the more worthily to be suspected for a corrupter of the Gospel. 1740 Biographia Classica I. 18 He may worthily be compared to Homer, for his sprightly Thoughts. 1838 Actors by Gaslight 1 Sept. 155 He, of the Thespian ‘dog hole’, (as it was then worthily termed) had, upon various former occasions, been enlightened by the countenance of the young chandler. a1854 H. Reed Lect. Brit. Poets (1857) iii. 81 The calendar which opens so nobly with the name of Chaucer, closes worthily in our day with that of Wordsworth. 1919 Outing Mar. 287 It's a word that's much abused—sportsman—but never has it been worn more worthily..than by Theodore Roosevelt. 1967 J. Yoors Gypsies xv. 247 We wondered where Pulika planned to find safe shelter for as large a band as the present one, where we could worthily celebrate our reunion before separating again into small traveling units. 2010 N.Z. Herald (Nexis) 21 Aug. Gourmet was not a word that could be worthily bestowed on many New Zealand eateries. b. According to one's merit (or demerit); as one deserves; deservedly, justly, rightly. (a) With reference to blame, punishment, or misfortune. Now rare. ΘΚΠ society > morality > dueness or propriety > [adverb] > deservedly > by demerit worthilya1382 condignlyc1450 a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1965) Wisd. xvi. 1 For þese & lijc thingis to þese: worþily þey suffreden tormentis. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. vi. xvii. 316 Dauid blameþ worthiliche þe oþir seruantis of king Saul þat were slepinge. ?a1425 tr. Catherine of Siena Orcherd of Syon (Harl.) (1966) 132 (MED) Neuerþelees synne..schal be correctid in anoþir place, but if it be worþily poneschid here by duwe and parfiȝt contricioun. 1509 A. Barclay Brant's Shyp of Folys (Pynson) f. ciii But suche youth..worthely lyue in brawlynge stryfe and payne. 1549 R. Crowley Voyce Laste Trumpet sig. Av But if thou wilt be still sturdy..The Lord shal plage the worthely. 1592 R. Greene Repentance sig. D3 I haue so often offended thee that I haue worthely deserued death. 1624 T. Heywood Γυναικεῖον iv. 188 As the processe of her life was in many passages therof worthily infamous. 1660 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. III. v. 272 Ingratitude is worthily hatefull to all men. 1785 W. Cowper Tirocinium in Task 404 Egregious purpose! worthily begun In barb'rous prostitution of your son. View more context for this quotation 1829 W. Scott Rob Roy (new ed.) I. Introd. p. xxii MacGregor, with a great many of the leading men of the clan, worthily executed to death for their offences. 1833 W. Godwin Deloraine III. ix. 138 He had in consequence, and worthily, suffered the last penalty of the law in the face of his countrymen. 1938 E. S. Duckett Gateway to Middle Ages v. 253 This criminal, however, was worthily punished when he was seized with fever and his whole body burned black as a coal. (b) With reference to praise, reward, or good fortune. ΘΠ society > morality > dueness or propriety > [adverb] > deservedly righteouslya1382 worthilyc1405 condignlyc1450 meritorilyc1503 gradely?1521 deservedly1548 deservingly1552 deservably1593 desertfully1601 meritoriously1607 meritedly1638 justly1849 c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Clerk's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 1022 They wondren what she myghte be..And worthily they preysen hir prudence. 1447 O. Bokenham Lives of Saints (Arun.) (1938) l. 326 This blyssyd mayde Margrete wurthyly Be these sexe vertuhs to heuene dede stye. a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) Prol. 3 We menge wordis of louynge sa that worthily he may trow him. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) 1 Chron. xvii. C For the Lorde is greate, and can not worthely be praysed. 1548 G. Patten (title) The expedicion into Scotlande of the most woorthely fortunate prince Edward. 1595 E. Spenser Colin Clouts come Home Againe sig. C Or be their pipes vntunable and craesie, That they cannot her honour worthilie? 1617 F. Moryson Itinerary i. 109 The other wines of this Country..and all the other fruits cannot be worthily praised. 1642 D. Rogers Naaman Ep. Ded. sig. A2 For all men to cast their eyes upon, and that worthily; for most costly and pretious was their matter. 1695 Ld. Preston tr. Boethius Of Consol. Philos. ii. 62 That which cannot be taken away is worthily esteemed the most excellent. 1753 tr. T. De Jesus Sufferings our Lord Jesus Christ I. xi. 333 As thou hast ordained, that when I merit any thing with thee, I cannot be worthily recompensed, unless thou thyself art my recompence. 1825 J. Neal Brother Jonathan II. 2 We know of no case..wherein he [sc. the Wild Man] is worthily represented. 1866 C. Kingsley Hereward the Wake I. ix. 213 His father..promised him the succession,—which indeed he had worthily deserved. 1924 A. J. Macself Flowering Trees & Shrubs x. 134 Formerly known as Weigelas, a name indeed still familiarly used, the Diervillas are worthily held in high esteem. 2014 Express (Nexis) 10 Mar. 63 Courtney Lawes worthily took the man-of-the match gong. †2. a. With due dignity, courtesy, or reverence; with due pomp or splendour; richly, splendidly. Obsolete. ΘΠ the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > splendour, magnificence, or pomp > [adverb] worthlyeOE worthlyOE worthily?c1225 reallya1375 proudc1384 riallya1387 royallyc1405 proudly?a1425 rialc1425 stately?a1439 personably1481 sumptuouslyc1487 magnificentlya1552 majestically1577 in state1580 palatially1867 ?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 133 Haschule beon inheouene oðer oðercunnes folc wurðeliche ihechȝed. a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 1518 Ðor he was for his faderes luue Holden wurðelike a wel a-buuen. a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 4290 With a real route he rod hire a-ȝens, & worþili hire he wolcomed. a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) ii. l. 2649 (MED) The dede body wel and faire Thei carie til thei come at Kaire, Wher he was worthily begrave. c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 72 When þay had waschen worthyly, þay wenten to sete. c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 1877 Duc Theseus..conueyed the kynges worthily Out of his toun. c1450 Alphabet of Tales (1904) I. 177 (MED) Becauce þat he wold com wurthelie vnto þe cetie, he..stale þe prestis hors & his cloke. ?c1450 Brut (Trin. Cambr.) (1908) 486 Lordes and ladyes were worthely served thurgh all the Court. a1500 (?a1450) Gesta Romanorum (Harl. 7333) (1879) 11 Thei buryed þe body of þe knyȝt, worthely among hem in a newe sepulcre. 1522 Worlde & Chylde (de Worde) (1909) sig. A.ii I am not worthely wrapped nor went But powerly prycked in pouerte. c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 27^v Priam..a pales gert make..ffull worthely wroght & by wit caste. b. Becomingly, elegantly. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > refinement > elegance > [adverb] finec1400 worthilyc1400 nicelyc1450 handsomely1530 smicklyc1639 elegantly1753 neat1755 c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 144 Bot[h] his wombe & his wast were worthily smale. 3. a. In a manner befitting a person of high standing or character; in accordance with one's own dignity or personal worth; honourably, nobly; virtuously. ΘΠ the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > good repute > reputability or honourableness > [adverb] worthlyeOE menskful?c1225 menskly?c1225 dignelyc1315 honestly1340 menskfullya1375 worshipfullya1375 worthilyc1384 creditably1648 reputablya1689 respectably1770 smirchless1848 c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Ephes. iv. 1 So I..byseche, that ȝe walke worthily in the clepinge, in which ȝe ben clepid. a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1881) ii. l. 186 Men tellen þat he doth In armes day by day so worþily..þat alle prys hath he. ?c1450 (?a1400) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 380 Heliye left þe grete richesse..& tooke worþili þe pore ordenance..þat a goode man & his wyfe proferid to hym. ?1473 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Recuyell Hist. Troye (1894) II. lf. 230^v Hercules and theseus did worthyly and digne of memorye. c1475 tr. C. de Pisan Livre du Corps de Policie (Cambr.) (1977) 108 (MED) Nexte vnto the char went the men that had born them beste and moste worthely in the batayle. a1500 (?a1450) Gesta Romanorum (Harl. 7333) (1879) 258 (MED) Alle thei wer contente of this mariage, because that he so deliuerlye & worthely deliuerid hem fro hir thraldom. 1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) ii. 259 Al this sayde worshyp was done vnto oure lady..by cause she had worthyly ouercome the fende. ?1553 H. Dekyn tr. Herman V of Wied Brefe Declar. Dewty Maried Folkes sig. Cii Thys blessed state of matrymonye..I exhorte you..that you walke worthily therin. 1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. ii. sig. Aa6 Well may I certes such an one thee read, As by thy worth thou worthily hast wonne. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) ii. ii. 107 Worthily spoken Mecenas. View more context for this quotation a1629 W. Hinde Faithfull Remonstr. (1641) xxxi. 97 He that had done so worthily at Ephrata, became famous in Bethlehem. 1785 W. Cowper Task v. 807 The soul that sees Him,..learns at least t' employ More worthily the pow'rs she own'd before. 1797 T. Harwood Alumni Etonenses 119 He was attached for Treason, but cleared himself very worthily of the charge. 1807 G. Chalmers Caledonia I. iii. vii. 380 He worthily fell, in fighting for his people. 1858 J. G. Holland Titcomb's Lett. vii. 157 An incident of a life worthily spent. 1886 Manch. Examiner 8 Feb. 5/5 The office he has long worthily held as parliamentary secretary to the Trades' Union Congress. 1916 Office Appliances Sept. 62/2 His was the self-appointed duty to see that everyone enjoyed himself to the utmost, and by precept and example he worthily fulfilled his task. 1963 A. Rich Snapshots of Daughter-in-law 64 It is possible to live worthily to maintain your attitudes to hold your position to die bravely. 2002 Age (Melbourne) (Nexis) 27 July 6 UN commissioner Mary Robinson, typically and worthily, condemned the attack... Hers was the only condemnation that was not wet, weak and mealy-mouthed. b. In a manner worthy of; so as to be worthy of.In quot. 1881 with ellipsis of of.When modifying walk often with allusion to, or as an echo of, Ephesians 4:1 (cf. quot. 1526 at worthy adv. and quot. c1384 at sense 3a); cf. also Colossians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 2:12. Π 1605 R. Smith Answer to T. Bels Challeng 224 We walke worthely of God, and become worthy of Gods kingdome. a1768 T. Secker Lect. Catech. (1769) I. ii. 21 It may admonish them, that having conferred the Title of Christians upon us, they are bound to endeavour, that we may behave worthily of it. 1778 A. Adams Let. 8 Mar. (1840) 118 Enjoin it upon him, never to disgrace his mother, and to behave worthily of his father. 1841 W. L. Garrison in W. P. Garrison & F. J. Garrison Life W. L. Garrison (1889) III. 15 There are..some..who do not walk worthily of their profession. 1881 F. T. Palgrave Visions of Eng. 237 Oft hast thou acted thy part, My country, worthily thee! 1920 National Service June 347/2 Re-establishment of commercial relations..would be jeopardized by failure of the Allies to act worthily of themselves. 2015 Sc. Catholic Observer 9 Oct. 7/2 It is therefore our duty and our honour to behave worthily of having been created by God and loved into existence by him. †4. At a proper rate or value. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > monetary value > [adverb] > at proper value worthilya1393 a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) ii. l. 604 As thei come To hire..To schewen such thing as thei broghte; Whiche worthili of hem sche boghte. 5. With reference to Christian practices: with due devotion or reverence; in a fitting spirit; reverently, devoutly. ΘΠ the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > reverence > [adverb] worthlyOE reverentlya1382 worthilyc1400 worshippinglyc1475 reverendlyc1480 venerablyc1610 reverentially1644 worshipfully1863 veneratinglyc1925 society > morality > dueness or propriety > [adverb] > deservedly > by merit worthilyc1400 c1400 Bk. to Mother (Bodl.) 147 (MED) Preie Crist þat he weshe clene þi fet and so ȝeue þe grace to worþiliche þenke on his preciouse Sacrement þat he made at his soper of bred and wyn. c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Parson's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) §311 Men may also refreyne venial synne by receyuynge worthily of the precious [printed percious] body of Ihu crist. c1450 tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Lyfe Manhode (Cambr.) (1869) 42 And if this bred thou wolt nempne and clepe wel and wurthilyche j sey it is bred of lyf. a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) xiv. §1. 50 Lord wha sall won in thi tabernakile, that is wha worthily lufis the here. 1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. MMMii^v Clennesse of hert, wherby they may worthely, laude and prayse god. ?1537 Hugh of Caumpedene tr. Hist. Kyng Boccus F.iv^v Yf this word be worthely spoken It shalbe hard fro erth to heuen. 1565 T. Harding Answere to Iuelles Chalenge 132 By the vertue and efficacie of this Sacrament duely and worthely received. 1610 J. Healey tr. St. Augustine Citie of God xv. xxiii. 563 Wee do worthily beleeue that the 70. had the spirit of prophecy. 1737 D. Waterland Rev. Doctr. Eucharist Introd. 22 They are supposed, when worthily performed, to carry in them all dutiful Allegiance to God. 1747 J. J. Hornyold Sacraments Explain'd 56 A second Thing required, is the State of Grace, without which, no one can worthily receive this Sacrament. 1755 E. Young Centaur i. 11 As to God, they say, ‘The natural religion commands us to think worthily, and speak reverently, of Him’. 1850 J. M. Neale Hist. Holy Eastern Church: Pt. 1 I. iii. v. 515 This is a short supplication that God would endue them who are about to be communicants with all the dispositions of mind necessary to their communicating worthily. 1992 L. Taylor Soldiers of Christ vii. 137 For the person who worthily took communion, wondrous results followed. 2002 Furrow 53 286 The Eucharist is a sacrament, which means that it has a symbolic and ritual aspect. So if the symbolism is defective then the sacrament is not worthily celebrated. 6. So as to be worthwhile; to good effect; with profit.Sometimes difficult to distinguish from sense 1a. Π 1724 S. Switzer et al. Pract. Fruit-gardener 90 The Chevereuse..or Goat-Peach, may worthily be brought into the Productions of this Month. 1757 J. H. Grose Voy. E.-Indies xiii. 312 To fix..[their attention] unremoveably on the only idea they think can worthily fill their minds. 1849 W. E. Hickson Malthus 77 The precise order of that progression is an object of inquiry that may worthily occupy the noblest faculties of the mind. 1866 Reader 12 May 476 The hanging committee could not possibly have found artists to occupy them so worthily. 1914 W. R. M. Lamb Clio Enthroned ii. 51 Form and substance alike offer mines of precious meaning, could they be worthily explored. 1934 D. Thomas Let. 7 June (1987) 142 You have most worthily demonstrated the fact that a local newspaper need not exclusively confine itself to..running commentaries on the gradual break down of the parish pump. 1983 Relig. Stud. 19 106 Within its admitted limits this volume could worthily shape the direction of future studies well into the next century. 2005 Jerusalem Rep. (Nexis) 30 May 42 The sleek pleasure derived from the smoothness of Schwartz's polished prose might have been worthily exchanged for the jagged conversations between variant versions, contradictions and tales in different registers. 7. Chiefly British. In negative sense: in a manner characterized by good or noble intent, but lacking humour, imagination, or excitement. Cf. worthy adj. 10d.Frequently with reference to literary or other artistic works. ΚΠ 1954 Manch. Guardian 4 Dec. 3/6 Peace-time ‘documentaries’ can be worthily and infernally dull. 1973 New Statesmen 12 Oct. 514/1 Fleet Street's diarists..offered little choice between the suggestively trivial and the worthily dreary. 1993 Guardian (Nexis) 6 Mar. 28 [In] an old-fashioned issues play.., a skiving photographer..and an oh so worthily boring reporter..run a weekly freesheet. 2009 Observer (Nexis) 24 May (Review section) 18 Kate Winslet wrestles with issues of Nazi guilt and illiterate sexuality in worthily sombre fashion. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2017; most recently modified version published online December 2021). < adj.a1375adv.c1175
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† worthilyadj.

worthilyadv.