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Examining "idly" vs "lazily": nuances in action

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 31/10/2024, 18:48
English.me team member
Idly and lazily. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both words describe actions done with little effort, enthusiasm, or purpose.

What is different?

Idly refers to doing something without a specific purpose or aim, often implying inactivity or inaction. Lazily implies doing something in a relaxed manner with minimal effort, often connected to avoiding work or exertion.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for idly) and lazily

Examples of usage

Idly
  • He stared idly out the window, watching the world go by.
  • She idly flipped through the magazine, not really interested in any of the articles.
  • The car idled at the red light, engine humming softly.
Lazily
  • The cat stretched lazily in the warm sunlight.
  • He lazily dragged himself out of bed, not wanting to start the day.
  • They lazily paddled their canoe down the calm river.

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