What does racily mean?
Racily is an adverb with two closely related uses. In its most straightforward sense, it means quickly or at great speed, often describing movement or action: the horse ran racily around the track. It can also describe a manner that is lively, daring, or suggestively sexual, as in a remark delivered racily. The word is somewhat literary and uncommon, so rapidly or quickly is usually clearer when speed alone is intended. Its unusual sound and flexible meaning make it useful for descriptive writing, particularly fiction, commentary, and humorous prose. The adverb derives from the adjective racy, which itself developed from the idea of something moving at speed before acquiring the sense of being exciting or provocative.
At great speed; rapidly.
"The motorcycle racily passed the other vehicles."
This use is literary and uncommon; 'quickly' or 'swiftly' is more neutral in everyday speech.
In a lively, daring, exciting, or suggestively sexual manner.
"He danced racily at the center of the stage."
This use often carries a humorous or playful tone, though the suggestion of sexual daring depends on context.
A single adverb can shift from describing speed to suggesting a daring or provocative style, depending on what it is describing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of racily
Racily is the adverb formed from racy. Racy developed from race in the sense of speed or movement, and it came to mean fast, vigorous, or exciting. The same adjective also developed a sense involving suggestiveness or sexual daring, which racily can share. The word belongs to a family built on the root race, including raciness and racily.
How racily is actually used
The word is somewhat literary and less common than 'rapidly' or 'quickly.' Its second sense may suggest something daring, provocative, or overtly sexual, and can be humorous or playful depending on context.