messily

/ˈmes.əl.i/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmes.əl.i/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmesə̇lē -li/ (ame, mw)

messily — adverb

1. doing something in such a way that things are left in a disordered state, or tha

1.副詞B1
釋義

doing something in such a way that things are left in a disordered state, or that dirt and stains are produced as a result

例句

Yuki ate her noodles messily, leaving drops of broth on the table.

collocation: eat messily

The children had painted messily, with bright colours splashed across the floor.

同義詞
  • untidily

    very close in meaning; 'messily' often implies more visible dirt or chaos

  • sloppily

    more informal; emphasises careless, rushed action over visible dirt

  • haphazardly

    suggests a lack of plan or order; less about physical dirt and more about random placement

反義詞
  • neatly

    doing something in a tidy, organised way

  • tidily

    arranging things in an orderly, clean manner

文法句型

[verb] + messily

messily + [past participle]

用法筆記

Commonly modifies verbs of eating, dressing, painting, storing, or arranging. The focus is on the visible disorder that results from the action.

常見錯誤

❌He messily wrote his essay, with great ideas but wrong grammar.
✅He wrote his essay messily, with ink smudges and crossed-out lines all over the page.
💡This sense describes physical untidiness, not lack of skill or mental confusion.

2. behaving or handling a situation in a confused, unclear, or socially awkward man

2.副詞B2
釋義

behaving or handling a situation in a confused, unclear, or socially awkward manner

例句

Priya explained her idea messily, jumping from one point to another without any order.

collocation: explain messily

The meeting ended messily when nobody could agree on the next step.

collocation: end messily

同義詞
  • awkwardly

    emphasises social discomfort more than confusion

  • confusedly

    focuses on lack of clarity rather than social awkwardness

  • chaotically

    stronger; suggests a total lack of organisation

反義詞
  • smoothly

    a situation that progresses without difficulty or confusion

  • cleanly

    a situation that ends clearly and without complications

文法句型

[verb] + messily

end + messily

用法筆記

Unlike sense 1, this sense does not describe physical dirt or disorder. It applies to situations, explanations, relationships, negotiations, and emotional interactions. The adverb often follows the verb rather than preceding it.

常見錯誤

❌The kitchen floor was messily covered in flour.
✅The kitchen floor was messily covered in flour.
💡This example actually fits sense 1 (physical). For sense 2, use it for non-physical situations: 'The divorce was handled messily.'