tightly

From tight + -ly.

• IPA^(key): /ˈtaɪtli/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

tightly (comparative tightlier or more tightly, superlative tightliest or most tightly)

1. In a tight manner.

   tightly clenched fingers

   Antonym: loosely

   • 2003, Linkin Park, “Breaking the Habit”, in Meteora:

     Clutching my cure / I tightly lock the door / I try to catch my breath again

2. (of speech) Curtly in a way that suggests anger or other intense emotion is being contained.