adv

tightly

TYT-lee

adv

In a firm, close, or secure manner.

"She held the child's hand tightly as they crossed the road."

"Wrap the bandage tightly around the wound."

Curtly or sharply, in a way that suggests barely controlled anger or emotion.

""I'm fine," she said tightly, clearly upset."

How to Use Tightly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFirmly and securely, or (in speech) in a clipped, tense way.

Common pairings

hold tightly tightly packed speak tightly

tightlier comparative, more tightly comparative, tightliest superlative, most tightly superlative

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She held the child's hand _____ as they crossed the road.

From "tight" plus the adverb-forming suffix "-ly."

nightly lightly rightly slightly brightly unsightly