What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deathly
Example
The silence in the room was deathly. [deathly: adjective]
Example
She looked deathly pale after hearing the news. [deathly: adverb]
deadly
Example
The snake's venom is deadly. [deadly: adjective]
Example
The two gangs engaged in a deadly shootout. [deadly: adjective]
Example
He was a deadly assassin, feared by many. [deadly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deadly is more commonly used than deathly in everyday language. Deadly is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while deathly is less common and used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deathly and deadly?
Both deathly and deadly can be used in formal and informal contexts, but deadly is more versatile and can be used in different levels of formality.