prudishly

7.6

In a way that shows too much modesty about sex

adverb
/ˈpruːdɪʃli/

: prudentemente

The teacher addressed the students prudishly, emphasizing the importance of modesty in their behavior.

Examples

In our society, women don't have to dress prudishly... but men have to keep their hands to themselves.

Sextet (2007)
She spoke prudishly about the topic, avoiding any mention of personal experiences.
His prudishly strict views on relationships often made his friends feel uncomfortable.

Synonyms

modestly

vsprudishly

28 3.1

In a simple, not showy way

is exaggerated show of propriety especially regarding sexual or moral topics

primly

vsprudishly

3 6.6

In a very proper and formal way that shows dislike of untidy or rude behavior

is more about exaggerated modesty toward sex and moral matters than formality

chastely

vsprudishly

1 8.0

In a way that avoids sexual activity and shows modest behaviour

is about excessive modesty and moral show rather than simple sexual innocence

puritanically

vsprudishly

9.6

In a very strict way about moral or sexual matters

is similar but stresses exaggerated modesty rather than strict moral code

prissily

vsprudishly

Informal

8.5

In a very proper and fussy way

is focused on exaggerated modesty about sex and morals rather than mere fussiness

Antonyms

unrestrainedly

7.6

In a way that shows strong feeling and no holding back

How Modest

puritanically

9.6

prudishly

7.6

modestly

28 3.1

reservedly

7.4

openly

303 1.6

Surface Forms

prudishly positive

Morphology

prudishly = prudish (transparent) = prude + ish + ly

The adverb is a regular formation from the adjective 'prudish' by adding the productive adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Etymology

Prudishly comes from prude, a word for someone who is 'too proper' about sex or private behaviour, and that goes back to prudent, which meant 'careful' or 'wise'. So, to act prudishly is to be overly modest or careful about such things, which explains its modern meaning.