damply
gb/dˈæmpli/ us/dˈæmpli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
literary
C1
property
1
in a slightly wet way
In a way that is a little wet.
Usage pattern:
[something] hangs/clings/feels damply
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse it where common English prefers phrases like “slightly damp” or “a bit wet.”
Synonyms
moistly (Very close in meaning; often sounds more neutral.)
|
wetly (Usually suggests more water than ‘damply’.)
Antonyms
dryly (Opposite physical condition: not wet or moist.)
Collocations
damply clinging
|damply against
|damply to the skin
|damply hanging
|damply matted
|damply cool
|damply stained
|damply smelling
Themes
weather
|daily_life
|describing_things
Examples
- Her hair lay damply against her neck after the walk in the drizzle.
- The towels in the guest bathroom smelled damply in the closed air.
- The shirt clung damply to his back after the sudden rain.
Learner examples
- My clothes hung damply on the line.
- The grass felt damply cold in the morning.
adverb
literary
C2
property
2
in a discouraging way
In a way that shows little excitement and makes others less excited.
Usage pattern:
[someone] responds/reacts damply (to [something])
Common mistake:
Often confused with ‘dimly’; for this meaning, ‘unenthusiastically’ is usually more natural.
Synonyms
unenthusiastically (Direct and common; focuses on lack of enthusiasm.)
|
coolly (Suggests emotional distance or reserve.)
Antonyms
enthusiastically (Shows strong positive energy and support.)
Collocations
respond damply
|react damply
|be received damply
|applaud damply
Themes
emotions
|communication
Examples
- The announcement was received damply, with only a few polite claps.
- She responded damply to the idea, and the room’s excitement faded.
- He applauded damply, clearly unconvinced by the performance.
Learner examples
- They reacted damply to the news.
Grammar
Dictionary form
damply
IPA
GB/dˈæmpli/
US/dˈæmpli/
Syllables & stress
damply (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (damply)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: damply
- Plural: damplies
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.