Definition of dully

The origin of the word "dully" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled "ðullic" and pronounced "thullyc." The word was formed by combining the Old English prefix "ðu-" (which meant "non-" or "un-") and the Old English word "lyc" (which meant "bright" or "shining"). The prefix "ðu-" was commonly used in Old English to create negative words by negating the root of a word, and "lyc" was a word often used to describe bright or shining things. In Old English, "lyc" could also be used as an adjective to describe a person who was cheerful, joyful, or bright-eyed. Over time, the Old English word "ðullic" evolved into the Middle English word "duly," which was used as both an adjective and an adverb. The spelling of the word eventually changed to "duly" as it evolved with the English language. Today, the word "dully" is commonly used as an adverb to describe something that is performed or done in a slow, uninspired, or uninteresting manner. As an adjective, it can be used to describe something that is dull, uninteresting, or lifeless. In summary, the word "dully" originated in Old English as a negated form of the word "lyc," which meant "bright" or "shining." It evolved over time and is now commonly used to describe things that are uninspiring or unappealing.