pertly
/'pə:tli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- In a bold, saucy, or impudent manner: "pertly" describes speaking or behaving with a confident, often disrespectful, or forward attitude that shows a lack of proper respect or modesty.
- In a lively, brisk, or jaunty manner: "pertly" can also describe an action done with a quick, cheerful, and spirited energy.
Usage Examples
Adverb (Impudent manner):
- She answered the teacher's question pertly, surprising the whole class.
- "I don't see why I should," he said pertly, crossing his arms.
Adverb (Lively manner):
- The bird cocked its head pertly before flying away.
- She wore her hat tilted pertly to one side.
Advanced Usage
"to say/speak pertly": to reply or speak in a cheeky, disrespectful way.
- The child was scolded for speaking pertly to her elder.
"to act/behave pertly": to conduct oneself with impertinent boldness.
- The new assistant behaved pertly, as if she owned the place.
Variants and Related Words
Pert (adj): (1) attractively lively or cheeky. (2) (especially of a girl or young woman) impudently bold.
- She gave a pert answer.
- He was charmed by her pert smile.
Pertness (n): the quality of being pert; impudent boldness or liveliness.
- Her pertness sometimes got her into trouble.
Synonyms
- Impudently: in a rude and disrespectful way.
- Saucily: in a bold, lively, and slightly impertinent way.
- Cheekily: in an irreverently bold or impudent manner.
- Briskly: in an active, quick, or energetic manner.
Antonyms
- Respectfully: in a way that shows deference and respect.
- Politely: in a courteous and well-mannered way.
- Demurely: in a reserved, modest, and shy manner.
Adverb
- in an impudent or impertinent manner
- a lean, swarthy fellow was peering through the window, grinning impudently