lamely

From lame +‎ -ly.

• IPA^(key): /ˈleɪmli/

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• Rhymes: -eɪmli

lamely (comparative more lamely, superlative most lamely)

1. In the manner of one who is lame.
2. (colloquial) In a foolish or ineffective way.

   He lamely tried to lie his way out of the situation, but he wasn't really trying and no-one believed him.

   • 1959, Anthony Burgess, Beds in the East (The Malayan Trilogy), published 1972, page 436:

     "I quite admire cats," he said. "There is something about them," he added, "which..." He could not find the words. "Which is quite admirable," he ended lamely.

• Malley, maleyl, malley, mellay