ARTLESSLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does artlessly mean? 

• ARTLESSLY (adverb)
  The adverb ARTLESSLY has 2 senses:

1. in a crude and unskilled manner

2. in an ingenuous manner

  Familiarity information: ARTLESSLY used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ARTLESSLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a crude and unskilled manner

Synonyms:

artlessly; crudely; inexpertly

Context example:

an inexpertly constructed lean-to

Pertainym:

artless (showing lack of art)

Sense 2

Meaning:

In an ingenuous manner

Synonyms:

artlessly; ingenuously

Context example:

she answered the judge's questions artlessly

Pertainym:

artless (characterized by an inability to mask your feelings; not devious)

 Context examples 

Beyond sat a pair of humble lovers, artlessly holding each other by the hand, a somber spinster eating peppermints out of a paper bag, and an old gentleman taking his preparatory nap behind a yellow bandanna.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

The room had then become useless, and for some time was quite deserted, except by Fanny, when she visited her plants, or wanted one of the books, which she was still glad to keep there, from the deficiency of space and accommodation in her little chamber above: but gradually, as her value for the comforts of it increased, she had added to her possessions, and spent more of her time there; and having nothing to oppose her, had so naturally and so artlessly worked herself into it, that it was now generally admitted to be hers.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

She was not struck by any thing remarkably clever in Miss Smith's conversation, but she found her altogether very engaging—not inconveniently shy, not unwilling to talk—and yet so far from pushing, shewing so proper and becoming a deference, seeming so pleasantly grateful for being admitted to Hartfield, and so artlessly impressed by the appearance of every thing in so superior a style to what she had been used to, that she must have good sense, and deserve encouragement.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)