smoothly

Meanings

1. 1adverbnot comparable

   Without problems, delays or interruptions.

   Grammar: Usually follows a verb like go or run: Everything went smoothly.

   Patterns

   • go smoothly
   • run smoothly

   The meeting went smoothly from start to finish.

   The new system has been running smoothly for months.

   Everything worked smoothly on the day of the launch.

2. 2adverbnot comparable

   In an even, flowing way, without jerks or bumps.

   Grammar: Describes how something moves: the car glided smoothly.

   Patterns

   • move smoothly
   • glide smoothly

   The drawer slid smoothly shut.

   The skater moved smoothly across the ice.

3. 3adverbnot comparabledisapproving

   In a polite, confident and slightly too clever manner.

   Grammar: Can sound mildly disapproving when applied to speech.

   Patterns

   • talk smoothly

   He smoothly talked his way past the guard.

   She smoothly changed the subject.

Common combinations

go smoothly

We hope the move goes smoothly.

run smoothly

A good manager keeps the office running smoothly.

work smoothly

The two teams worked smoothly together.

glide smoothly

The boat glided smoothly across the lake.

smoothly and quickly

The line moved smoothly and quickly.

Synonyms and how they differ

easily

Easily stresses lack of effort, while smoothly stresses lack of trouble or bumps.

seamlessly

Seamlessly is stronger and means you cannot see where one part ends and another starts.

evenly

Evenly describes uniform spreading or pace, not freedom from problems.

Opposites

Word family

smooth adjective

flat, even or free of problems

smooth verb

to make flat or easier

smoothness noun

the quality of being even

smoothie noun

a blended fruit drink

Commonly confused: smoothly or smooth?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “smoothly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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