ly- root words — words with the ly- root

The root ly- comes from Old English lic, meaning in the manner of (adverbial). 4 words in Dendril are built from it, including sportsmanlike, footlessly, towardly, uncomely. Dendril shows them on a free interactive word map — no signup, no ads.

Words that use the ly- root

Explore words with ly- — words containing the ly- root and sharing its sense of "in the manner of (adverbial)". Examples include sportsmanlike, footlessly, towardly, uncomely. Click any word to see its own roots, definition, and related words.

What does ly- mean?

The ly- root means in the manner of (adverbial), from Old English lic. Recognizing it helps you decode and remember the many English words built on this root.