Newly
UK /["/ˈnjuːli/"]/US /["/ˈnuːli/"]/
Definition
recently
In simple words: recently or just now
Examples
- a newly qualified doctor
- a newly created job
- a newly independent republic
Usage notes
Use 'newly' to describe something that has just happened or been created. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English, but avoid using it in overly casual contexts.
Grammar pattern
newly + adjective (e.g. newly arrived)
Memory hint
Think 'new' + 'ly' sounds like 'newlywed' – just married, just started.
Collocations
- newly married
- newly discovered
- newly appointed
- newly formed
- newly arrived
Synonyms
- recently
- freshly
- lately
- new
- just
Antonyms
- previously
- formerly
- old
- earlier
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'new' — 'newly' is used with adjectives, while 'new' is used by itself.
- Using 'newly' with past participles incorrectly, such as 'newly done' when it should be 'newly done'.