windily

Windily is an English adverb formed from the adjective windy with the suffix -ly. It has two primary senses: a literal sense relating to wind, and a figurative sense related to rhetoric or prose.

In its literal sense, windily describes actions or movements influenced by the wind. For example, leaves and flags can move windily in a gusting breeze. This usage is straightforward and adheres to the basic meaning of windiness.

In its figurative sense, windily characterizes speech or writing that proceeds at length in a pompous, rambling, or long-winded manner. In this sense, windily conveys a critical tone and is more common in literary or evaluative contexts. For instance, a speech might be described as windily delivering background detail without offering clear conclusions.

Etymology: the adverb is formed from wind, with the standard -y to produce windy, and -ly to create windily. Related forms include windiness (noun) and windy (adjective). Pronunciation is typically given as /ˈwɪn.dɪ.li/.

See also: long-winded, windy, windiness, gusty, breezy.

Notes: Windily is relatively rare in everyday speech and writing. Its literal sense is unremarkable, while the figurative use tends toward literary critique and can carry a negative connotation when applied to rhetoric.