Definition

1. 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

1. in an impudent or impertinent manner
   • a lean, swarthy fellow was peering through the window, grinning impudently