Smearily
/ˈsmɪərɪli/noun
In a smeary manner, especially in a way that leaves blurred, greasy, or indistinct marks.
Did you know?The verb “smear” originally referred to spreading fat or grease, while its later sense of damaging someone’s reputation developed from the image of covering them in figurative filth.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*smei-
“To smear, rub, or wipe with a greasy substance; a reconstructed root.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*smaiwą
“Fat, grease, or a greasy substance.”
Old English
Old English
smeoru
“Fat, grease, or lard.”
Middle English
Middle English
smeren
“To spread or rub with grease; later, to soil or blur by spreading.”
14th–15th Century
English
smeary
“Containing grease or resembling a smear; marked by blurred or dirty streaks.”
Modern English
English
smeary + -ly
“In a smeary manner; the adverbial form used for blurred, greasy, or indistinct action.”