sickly
UK[ˈsɪkli]US[ˈsɪkli]
adj
often ill; not strong and healthy
adj
caused by or connected with illness
adj
(of a smell, taste, or color) unpleasant and suggesting sickness or decay
adj
(of writing, music, or feelings) too sentimental in a way that seems weak or unpleasant
Morpheme Breakdown
sick
ly
sick
ill
ly
adjective-forming suffix
Etymology
the word "sickly" is a transparent english formation, combining the core germanic root for illness with a productive adjectival suffix. the old english ancestor "sēoc" is related to old norse "sjúkr" and german "siech," all pointing to a common germanic concern with states of infirmity. the suffix "-ly," from old english "-līc," originally meant "body" or "form," thus giving "sickly" the sense of "having the form or qualities of sickness." over time, its meaning expanded beyond physical health to describe anything perceived as weak, pale, or unpleasantly excessive, mirroring the attributes associated with chronic illness.
Analysis
Structure: sick (ill) + ly (adjective-forming suffix)
"sick" is from old english "sēoc" (ill, diseased), of germanic origin. "ly" is an old english suffix "-līc" (having the qualities of), used to form adjectives.
Examples
he was a sickly child who missed a lot of school.
a sickly sweet smell filled the damp room.
she rejected the movie's sickly sentimental ending.