What does skulkingly mean?
Skulkingly is an uncommon adverb meaning in a furtive, stealthy, or evasive manner. It is especially appropriate for describing someone who moves quietly while trying to avoid attention, such as a thief crossing a courtyard or a suspicious person slipping through a crowd. The word carries a stronger and more atmospheric implication than a neutral word such as quietly: it suggests concealment and furtiveness, often with the suggestion that the person has something to hide. Although understandable in modern English, skulkingly sounds literary, old-fashioned, or deliberately colorful, so it is more likely to appear in narrative prose than in routine conversation or formal business writing. Formed from the present participle skulking with the adverbial suffix -ly, it belongs to the English word family of skulk. The term is useful to writers seeking an expressive way to describe furtive movement, evasive behavior, or a conspicuous absence of openness.
adverbIn a furtive or evasive manner, as if trying to avoid being seen or noticed.
- In a furtive, stealthy, or evasive manner.
"The thief moved skulkingly through the shadows, keeping close to the walls."
"The fox slunk skulkingly through the undergrowth."
"Rather than confess, he moved skulkingly among the guests and avoided every direct question."
Skulkingly belongs to a family of words about moving unseen, with roots in the Old Norse sense of sneaking and hiding.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of skulkingly
Skulkingly was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to skulking, the present participle of skulk. Skulk entered Middle English from Old Norse skulka, meaning to skulk or sneak. Related English forms include skulker, a person who skulks, and sculk, a variant of skulk.
Related word forms
How skulkingly is actually used
This adverb is uncommon and has a literary or archaic flavor. It is especially effective when describing movement or conduct intended to escape notice, often with a connotation of guilt, furtiveness, or moral unease.