What does stickily mean?
Stickily is the adverb form of “sticky,” most commonly meaning in a viscous or adhesive manner. It describes something that clings, smears, or resists separation: melted cheese may spread stickily, or two notes may become stickily attached. Less commonly, “stickily” describes a person whose attention or requests persist in an awkward, importunate way. This figurative use is especially associated with informal and literary English and often carries a mildly critical or amused tone. Although grammatically straightforward, the word is more noticeable than the adverb “stickily” might suggest because it can evoke both physical stickiness and socially persistent behavior.
adverbIn a sticky or adhesive manner. It can also describe behavior that is persistently awkward or insistently demanding.
- In a sticky or adhesive manner.
- In a persistently awkward or importunate manner.
"The warm syrup dripped stickily down the side of the bowl."
"Two pieces of caramel had stuck together stickily."
"She waited stickily by the entrance until someone spoke to her."
Sticky can describe both honey and an awkward social situation, and “stickily” can carry either meaning.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stickily come from?
“Stickily” was formed in the 19th century from the adjective “sticky” and the adverbial suffix “-ly.” “Sticky” in turn derives from “stick,” an Old English word associated with fastening or adhering. More broadly, both belong to a Germanic family of words connected with the idea of attaching or remaining fast.
Related word forms
How stickily is actually used
This adverb is relatively uncommon. Its second, figurative sense is usually found in informal or literary English and can imply tiresome insistence.