sottedly

Sottedly is an uncommon English adverb meaning “in a drunken manner” or “drunkenly.” It derives from “sotted,” an old-fashioned adjective meaning drunk, through the standard formation of an adverb with the suffix “-ly.” Modern use is rare and largely literary or comic, with the strongest British association. The phrase “sottedly drunk” is its clearest familiar pattern, while the adverb can also add vivid characterization to other contexts. Compared with the neutral, standard “drunkenly,” “sottedly” tends to sound more emphatic, old-fashioned, or humorous, making it useful when a writer wants drunkenness to attract attention rather than merely report it. Although dictionaries may list it, it is not everyday vocabulary. Its value lies chiefly in its expressive force and historical flavor: it compresses the idea of being drunk into a memorable, rhythmically forceful adverb, often with a faintly theatrical or comic tone.

In a sotted or drunken manner; drunkenly.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does sottedly come from?

Sottedly is an English formation made by adding the adverbial suffix “-ly” to “sotted,” an old-fashioned word meaning drunk. “Sotted” is related to “sot,” an old word for a drunkard, and the word has Middle English roots in Old French “sot,” associated with drunkenness or foolishness. The secure modern relationship is therefore between sottedly, sotted, and sot.

How sottedly is actually used

Rare, literary, and occasionally comic in modern usage. It is more emphatic and old-fashioned than the neutral “drunkenly” and is especially associated with British English.

Easily confused with sottedly

What's another word for sottedly?

Words and phrases paired with sottedly

What's the opposite of sottedly?

Rhymes with sottedly