idly
gb/ˈaɪdli/ us/ˈaɪdli/
B2
English
~ 8400
tétlenül, használatlanul, csak úgy, céltalanul, szórakozottan
B2
1
tétlenül
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] [verb] idly
He sat idly at his desk, staring out of the window instead of starting the report.
Tétlenül ült az íróasztalánál, és kifelé bámult az ablakon, ahelyett hogy nekilátott volna a jelentésnek.
Dozens of expensive machines lay idly in the warehouse, covered in dust.
Több tucat drága gép hevert használatlanul a raktárban, porral belepve.
The workers waited idly in the shade while the power was out.
The taxi stood idly at the curb for nearly an hour without a single passenger.
Computers hummed idly on the tables, with no one there to use them.
Learner examples
The children sat idly on the sofa and did nothing all afternoon.
A gyerekek egész délután tétlenül ültek a kanapén, és semmit sem csináltak.
Several cars were parked idly in front of the house.
Több autó is használatlanul állt a ház előtt.
The factory machines stood idly because there were no orders.
He waited idly at the station for the late train.
My phone was ringing idly on the table, but no one answered it.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes write *"idlely"* instead of *"idly"*. Remember that the adverb form of *idle* drops the final *e*: *idle → idly*. Learners may also confuse *idly* with *ideally*, which has a completely different meaning.
Meaning
without working or being used
Collocations
sit idly
|stand idly
|wait idly
|lie idly
|remain idly
|sit idly by
Synonyms
inactively (More formal and technical; focuses on lack of activity without suggesting laziness.)
|
lazily (Often suggests a relaxed or unwilling attitude, sometimes with judgment; more about mood than simple inactivity.)
Antonyms
busily (Emphasizes being very active or occupied, the opposite of doing nothing.)
|
actively (Stresses taking action or being in use, in contrast to being idle.)
Themes
daily life
|work
|behavior
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not working or doing anything; not being used for any real work.
Without working, doing anything useful, or being used; in an inactive or unproductive way.
C1
2
Usage pattern:
[someone] [verb] idly [about something]
We chatted idly about the weather while we waited for the train.
Csak úgy elcsevegtünk az időjárásról, amíg a vonatra vártunk.
She idly wondered what her life might be like in another country.
Csak úgy eltűnődött azon, milyen lenne az élete egy másik országban.
He flipped idly through the magazine, not really reading any of the articles.
They were scrolling idly through social media to kill time before dinner.
He picked up a pen and twirled it idly between his fingers as he listened.
Learner examples
We talked idly while we waited for the bus.
Csak úgy beszélgettünk, amíg a buszra vártunk.
She looked out of the window and thought idly about her future.
Kinèzett az ablakon, és csak úgy elgondolkodott a jövőjén.
He moved the coins idly around on the table.
I scrolled idly on my phone before bed.
They played with the cards idly and did not start the game.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse *idly* with *ideal* or *ideally*. *Idly* means "without real purpose" or "without much interest"; *ideally* means "in a perfect situation." For example, *We chatted idly* ≠ *We chatted ideally*.
Meaning
casually, without real purpose
Collocations
chat idly
|talk idly
|idly chat
|idly wonder
|idly scroll
|flip idly through
Synonyms
casually (Focuses on relaxed, informal behavior, not always implying lack of purpose.)
|
absentmindedly (Stresses that the person is not really paying attention, whereas *idly* can also simply mean "with no clear purpose.")
Antonyms
purposefully (Highlights acting with a clear aim or goal, opposite to doing something without a real purpose.)
Themes
daily life
|communication
|thinking
|behavior
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Without a real plan or strong interest; just for no special reason or to pass time.
In a way that shows little real intention, effort, or interest; casually, absent-mindedly, or simply to pass the time.
Grammar
Dictionary form
idly
IPA
GB/ˈaɪdli/
US/ˈaɪdli/
Syllables & stress
idly (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (idly)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: idly
- Plural: idly
Word family
Expressions
sit idly by
1/sˈɪt ˈaɪdli bˈaɪ/
idiom
be present but do nothing
To be there while something, often bad or unfair, is happening and not do anything to stop it.
Examples
- We cannot sit idly by while people in our community are suffering.
- The company sat idly by as its competitors took over the market.
- I refuse to sit idly by and watch my team fall apart.
stand idly by
1/stˈænd ˈaɪdli bˈaɪ/
idiom
stand and do nothing
To stand and watch while something, often bad or unfair, is happening and not do anything to help or stop it.
Examples
- The police were criticized for standing idly by during the attack.
- We will not stand idly by while our rights are taken away.
- Neighbors refused to stand idly by and quickly helped put out the fire.