Meaning & use

primly

adverb·Advanced

In a manner that is excessively formal, proper, or easily shocked by anything improper.

See it in a sentence

She sat primly with her hands folded, refusing to join the noisy conversation.

He primly corrected anyone who used slang in the office.

A note on using this word

Usually carries a slightly critical tone, suggesting someone is overly strict about manners or propriety.

Words with a similar meaning

stifflyproperly

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

casually

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