Cheekily - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Cheekily means behaving in a playful, bold, or slightly disrespectful way, often with humor or charm. It suggests a lack of seriousness while being mildly impudent or mischievous.
Definition:
In a bold, playful, or impudent manner.
Synonyms:
impudently, saucily, boldly, mischievously
Part of Speech:
adverb
Antonyms:
shyly, timidly, respectfully
Common Collocations:
grin cheekily, answer cheekily, act cheekily, speak cheekily
Derivatives:
cheekiness, cheeky
Usage Tips:
Use "cheekily" to describe playful or slightly rude behavior with a lighthearted tone.
Common Phrases:
cheeky grin, cheeky monkey, full of cheek
Etymology:
Derived from "cheeky," meaning bold or impudent, originating from the informal use of "cheek" (face) implying audacity.
Examples:
- 1. She smiled cheekily before taking the last cookie.
- 2. The child answered the teacher cheekily and made everyone laugh.
- 3. He winked cheekily as he told the joke.
- 4. She stuck her tongue out cheekily at her brother.