What does flintily mean?
Flintily is an adverb meaning in a hard, stern, cold, or unyielding manner. It is often used to describe a person’s gaze, response, or manner of dealing with someone else, suggesting that warmth, concession, or reassurance is notably absent. A person who answers an accusation flintily appears firm and unsympathetic; a character who looks at another flintily communicates austerity or displeasure. The word can also describe resolute but emotionally distant behavior. Although used in both British and American English, it is more characteristic of formal writing and literary dialogue than of everyday conversation. Its unusual sound and strong image make it especially effective when an author wants to convey not merely firmness but a distinctly hard, uncompromising attitude.
adverbIn a hard, stern, cold, or unyielding manner.
- In a hard, stern, cold, or unyielding manner.
"The diplomat refused to soften and answered the accusation flintily."
"The diplomat refused to soften and answered the accusation flintily."
"She turned the offer down flintily, without explanation."
The image behind the word is one of hardness: flint is a tough stone once used to strike sparks, and flintily describes an equally hard and unyielding manner.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does flintily come from?
The adjective flinty was formed from flint with the suffix -y, and the adverb flintily was then created by adding the adverbial suffix -ly. The Old English ancestor of flint was flynt, a Germanic word with relatives including Dutch flint and Old Norse flintr. The modern word preserves the central idea of flint as something exceptionally hard, tough, and difficult to break.
How flintily is actually used
This adverb is relatively uncommon and somewhat literary. It often conveys a mixture of sternness, emotional coldness, and refusal to yield or compromise.