Noted: Duly vs. duely
Monday, May 31st, 2010I was writing an article the other day and wanted to write about something being paid attention to in a timely and appropriate fashion and, for the life of me, I blanked on how to spell duly (as in duly noted). Is it dooly? Dooley? Duley? Duely?
Good grief. My mind must be slipping.
So I looked it up, as I always — and often — do when I’m not 100 percent sure of the spelling or definition. Good ol’ Merriam-Webster to the rescue! Dating back to the 14th century, this adverb means “in a due manner of time,” and properly, at that.
Dudley Do-Right always duly notes the evil doings of Snidely Whiplash
Another way to look at it is that the matter at hand will be receiving the attention and consideration it has due (although this sounds slightly you-OWE-me demanding to me, which doesn’t often sit well with some folks).
And its correct spelling? Duly.
Duly noted.
Happy trails!
SAK
