What does clammily mean?
Clammily is an adverb meaning “in a clammy manner.” Its literal use describes an unpleasantly damp, sticky, or humid condition, as in a clammily hot room or a handshake felt clammily cold. The word can also have a figurative use, describing conduct, surroundings, or an atmosphere that seems close, stuffy, uneasy, or oppressive. Clammily is less frequent than the adjective clammy, but it is useful when a sentence needs to describe the character of an action or experience rather than simply label something as damp. It appears in both British and American English. The word should not be confused with clumsily, which concerns awkwardness or lack of grace rather than moisture. Overall, clammily combines a vivid physical impression with the possibility of a broader emotional or atmospheric effect.
adverbIn an unpleasantly damp, sticky, or humid manner; figuratively, in a way that feels close, oppressive, or uneasy.
- With an unpleasant damp, sticky, or humid quality.
- In a way that creates a feeling of closeness, oppression, or unease.
"The old cellar was clammily humid, even in midsummer."
"The walls of the basement were cold and clammily damp."
"His overly familiar manner made the room feel clammily oppressive."
Clammily turns a damp handshake into a full weather report.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does clammily come from?
Clammily is an English adverb formed from the adjective clammy with the regular adverbial suffix -ly. The adjective clammy has long been associated with damp, sticky, or slimy conditions; related English words such as clam and clamp preserve older senses connected with fastening, clogging, or confinement. The modern adverb is thus a transparent derivation from an established English adjective.
How clammily is actually used
Less common than the adjective clammy and typically used in descriptive or mildly figurative contexts. It can refer to physically damp conditions or, metaphorically, to an atmosphere that feels stuffy, uneasy, or emotionally oppressive.
Easily confused with clammily
Clammily describes an unpleasant damp or sticky quality, whereas clumsily describes movement or performance that is awkward or graceless.