What does jaggedly mean?
Jaggedly is an adverb meaning “in a jagged manner,” with sharp, uneven points or edges. It is used when describing a physical outline, surface, or movement, as in “the cliffs drop jaggedly toward the water,” and it can also convey a figurative sense of abruptness, irregularity, or roughness. The adverb is more common in descriptive writing than in casual conversation, where people may instead say that something is jagged or uneven. Its sound and meaning are closely related to the adjective jagged, while its use with raggedly can produce a useful distinction: jaggedness emphasizes pointed, irregular contours, whereas raggedness often suggests wear, fraying, or neglect. Although not a highly frequent word, jaggedly is useful for vivid descriptions of landscapes, objects, movement, and visual design.
adverbIn a manner characterized by sharp, uneven points or edges. It describes an irregular, angular quality in movement, shape, or appearance.
- In a manner characterized by sharp, uneven points or edges.
"The mountain ridge rose jaggedly above the treeline."
"The cliffs fall jaggedly into the sea."
"She drew the outline of the mountains jaggedly, emphasizing their sharp peaks."
Some landscapes seem almost planned by their sharp, irregular edges—until the eye reads them as jaggedly cut against the sky.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jaggedly come from?
The word is an English adverbial derivative of the adjective jagged. Jagged is related to jag, a word for a sharp projection or notch, although the deeper history of that base is uncertain. In its modern form, jaggedly expresses the manner of being sharp-edged, angular, or uneven.
Related word forms
How jaggedly is actually used
Relatively uncommon and more often used in descriptive or literary writing than in everyday speech. It can describe physical edges and shapes as well as figurative patterns or movement.
Easily confused with jaggedly
Jaggedly describes sharp or uneven contours, whereas raggedly more often describes something worn, frayed, or shabby.