adverb
coolly
KOOL-lee
adverb
1
In a calm, composed, or unflustered manner.
"She coolly explained why the deadline had been missed."
"He coolly stepped over the broken glass without a word."
2
In a distant or unfriendly manner.
"They greeted the newcomer rather coolly."
How to Use Coolly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing something calmly, or (in a different context) doing it in a distant, unwelcoming way.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "cooly," a rare alternate spelling of the noun coolie — "coolly" is always the adverb.
Word Forms
more coolly comparative, more coolly comparative, most coolly superlative, most coolly superlative
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Etymology
Formed from the adjective cool plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.