Neatly

Neatly is an English adverb describing the manner in which something is done or presented in a tidy, orderly, or precise way. It is used to indicate care, organization, and craftsmanship in actions such as folding laundry, arranging shelves, writing, or completing a task.

Grammatically, neatly is the adverbial form of the adjective neat. It is formed by adding -ly to neat, and it can modify verbs (the towels are folded neatly), adjectives (a neatly organized desk), or other adverbs (handled the project neatly and slowly).

Usage notes: neatly emphasizes tidiness and accuracy rather than speed, and it often contrasts with terms like messily or carelessly. In many contexts, it carries a positive connotation about presentation and professionalism.

Examples: “She folded the clothes neatly.” “The shelves were neatly arranged.” “The letter was neatly written.”

Related terms include tidily and orderly; antonyms include messily and carelessly. The word neat has a long history in English, and neatly remains the standard adverbial form used to express orderly and careful execution.