pertly
1
8.1
- adverb
- /ˈpɜrtli/
- Informal
:
descaradamente
- He relished the sight; she did it so pertly.
- replied pertly
- said pertly
- so pertly
Examples
-
"My father certainly thinks so," she replied pertly.
Fiction book (1997) -
But if you caught her in a quiet moment, you'd notice how large her eyes were, how flawlessly smooth her skin was under her tan, and how her nose was shaped rather pertly.
Fiction book (1998) -
I replied pertly that Moses was a poor choice for a girl.
Fiction book (1997) -
There is still lots to do, of course," Jennifer chirped pertly.
Fiction book (1992) -
"She tilted her head pertly and her eye flashed spite."
Fiction book (2000) -
"I'll see you later," Catty trotted away with her tail pertly carried high like a flag.
Fiction book (2001) -
At one A.M., I gave up, went upstairs, turned on my little television, found a rerun of Pillow Talk, and fell asleep before Doris Day even had time to get pertly angry with Rock Hudson.
Fiction book (1998) -
The financial analysts on the public television news, a bald man wearing a bow tie and two young women with helmet haircuts, their nails profoundly manicured, speculated pertly about the record economy.
Fiction book (2000) -
"Oh, I'm sure that finding something to insult isn't a problem for you, Mr. Alabama," said Emma Guinness pertly, sipping gently on the white Napa Valley.
Fiction book (1990) -
"I'm not afraid to speak my mind," she said pertly, showing her confidence in the discussion.
Synonyms
54
3.3
Act in a confident, brave way without fear or hesitation
11
7.5
Without shame or embarrassment
9
6.8
In a bold way without shame
4
4.9
In a way that shows the person is not embarrassed
1
6.2
In a rude but playful way that shows little respect
1
7.9
In a playful, teasing way that shows sly amusement
1
6.8
In a bold, rude way that shows little respect
1
8.0
In a rude, bold way that shows no respect
1
6.7
To act in a playful and slightly naughty way that seems friendly
1
8.1
In a way that shows too much confidence and crosses other people's limits
1
7.6
In a rude way that shows no respect for a person in charge
1
9.6
To act in a playful and slightly naughty way
1
6.9
In a way that shows you think you are better than others
In a bold, lively, slightly rude way that attracts attention
In a bold, playful way that shows little respect
In a direct and bold way
In a bold, rude way that shows little respect
In a bold, rude way that shows no respect
In a proud, showy way to get attention
Antonyms
How Cheeky
9
6.8
1
7.6
- Informal
1
8.1
- Informal
1
6.2
3
4.6
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Pertly comes from the short adjective pert meaning 'bold' or 'lively', with the ending -ly meaning 'in a ... way'. So to speak or act pertly is to be 'bold' or 'cheeky' in how you do something, a bit like the word perky, which also suggests lively confidence.