In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.
SMOOTHLY
smoothly, swimmingly
(adverb) with no problems or difficulties; âput the plans into effect quickly and smoothlyâ; âdespite of some mishaps, everything went swimminglyâ
smoothly
(adverb) in a smooth and diplomatic manner; ââAnd now,â he said smoothly, âwe will continue the conversationââ
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Adverb
smoothly (comparative smoothlier or more smoothly, superlative smoothliest or most smoothly)
in a smooth manner
Source: Wiktionary
Smooth"ly, adv.
Definition: In a smooth manner.
SMOOTH
Smooth, a. [Compar. Smoother; superl. Smoothest.] Etym: [OE. smothe, smethe, AS. smeedhe, smoeedte, where e, oe, come from an older o; cf. LG. smöde, smöe, smödig; of uncertain origin.]
1. Having an even surface, or a surface so even that no roughness or points can be perceived by the touch; not rough; as, smooth glass; smooth porcelain. Chaucer. The outlines must be smooth, imperceptible to the touch, and even, without eminence or cavities. Dryden.
2. Evenly spread or arranged; sleek; as, smooth hair.
3. Gently flowing; moving equably; not ruffled or obstructed; as, a smooth stream.
4. Flowing or uttered without check, obstruction, or hesitation; not harsh; voluble; even; fluent. The only smooth poet of those times. Milton. Waller was smooth; but Dryden taught to join The varying verse, the full-resounding line. Pope. When sage Minerva rose, From her sweet lips smooth elocution flows. Gay.
5. Bland; mild; smoothing; fattering. This smooth discourse and mild behavior oft Conceal a traitor. Addison.
6. (Mech. & Physics)
Definition: Causing no resistance to a body sliding along its surface; frictionless.
Note: Smooth is often used in the formation of selfexplaining compounds; as, smooth-bodied, smooth-browed, smooth-combed, smooth- faced, smooth-finished, smooth-gliding, smooth-grained, smooth- leaved, smooth-sliding, smooth-speaking, smooth-woven, and the like.
Syn.
– Even; plain; level; flat; polished; glossy; sleek; soft; bland; mild; soothing; voluble; flattering; adulatory; deceptive.
Smooth, adv.
Definition: Smoothly. Chaucer. Smooth runs the water where the brook is deep. Shak.
Smooth, n.
1. The act of making smooth; a stroke which smooths. Thackeray.
2. That which is smooth; the smooth part of anything. "The smooth of his neck." Gen. xxvii. 16.
Smooth, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Smoothed (smoothd); p. pr. & vb. n. Smoothing.] Etym: [OE. smothen, smethen, AS. smeedhian; cf. LG. smöden. See Smooth, a.]
Definition: To make smooth; to make even on the surface by any means; as, to smooth a board with a plane; to smooth cloth with an iron. Specifically: -- (a) To free from obstruction; to make easy. Thou, Abelard! the last sad office pay, And smooth my passage to the realms of day. Pope.
(b) To free from harshness; to make flowing. In their motions harmony divine So smooths her charming tones that God's own ear Listens delighted. Milton.
(c) To palliate; to gloze; as, to smooth over a fault. (d) To give a smooth or calm appearance to. Each perturbation smoothed with outward calm. Milton.
(e) To ease; to regulate. Dryden.
Smooth, v. i.
Definition: To flatter; to use blandishment. Because I can not flatter and speak fair, Smile in men's faces, smooth, deceive and cog. Shak.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
10 January 2025
INTERSPERSION
(noun) the act of combining one thing at intervals among other things; âthe interspersion of illustrations in the textâ
Coffee Trivia
