Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1768-1787, 1883-1896
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READILY, adv., adj. Also readilys, -lies, red- (see -Lies, suff.). [The dissyllabic pronunciation ′rɛdli is common and may be due to influence of Redd, adj.]
I. adv. Probably, naturally, in the normal course of events. (Bwk. 1876 W. Brockie Wooden Sword 9, readlies).Sc. 1787 J. Beattie Scoticisms 76:
Readily (not readily do) = not likely to do.Lth. 1883 A. S. Swan Aldersyde i. ii.:
Sandy Riddell wull hae been here the day readily?Fif. 1896 G. Setoun R. Urquhart xxv.:
Here we are at the Kirk door, an' it'll readilys be a thin congregation.
¶II. adj. Compar. readlyer, more probable, more convincing.Abd. p.1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shep. MS. 133:
So that some readlyer tokens I must have On your bare word or I can credit give.
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"Readily adv., adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 7 Apr 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/readily>
