oily

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'oily' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has a greasy or slick texture. For example, "The oily substance made my hands sticky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

The Economist - Lifestyle

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can use almost any fish for this apart from the oily ones.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I wasn't planning on doing it, I swear.But there it was, an oily untruth slithering down the line.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It makes you look like an oily Euro sex pest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A thin yellow rope separated the cameras from a backdrop of oily car parts and hydraulic lifts.

The Guardian

Because of the conditions, crews have only been able to remove about 15 barrels, or roughly 630 gallons, of an oily, watery mix from the Yellowstone.

The Guardian

Make sure to only use cooked meat/fish, and avoid anything too wet or oily.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now Mosul beckons.In this section Too soon to celebrate Creeping toward Damascus Mosul beckons An oily mess Please don't expect miracles Polishing the city of gold Could things get worse?

The Economist

Last year reporters from the official Xinhua news agency conducted interviews along the Huai's tributaries, discovering foul-smelling oily black water, dead fish and polluted wells.

The Economist

In most cases, extracting oil involves chopping down the forest that blankets the region, draining the boggy ground, stripping off the topsoil and literally digging up the oily sand below.

The Economist

The leaders of the oily trio may have thought high oil prices were an adequate substitute for good governance.

The Economist

Family feud All still to play for Sheikh-up Pouring trouble on oily waters Reprints Related items No taxation, no representationMar 21st 2002That has worked well, but suspicions have lately grown that the al-Jabers have been quietly elbowing out their al-Salem rivals.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts, "oily" is a straightforward descriptor. In describing people, be aware that it often carries a negative implication of insincerity.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "oily" when describing textures or flavors. Explore more nuanced alternatives like "greasy", "smooth", or "rich" to provide a more vivid and accurate portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "oily" primarily functions as a descriptor, characterizing nouns based on their oil content, texture, or resemblance to oil. According to Ludwig, the term is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

The Economist - Lifestyle

15%

The Guardian - Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "oily" is a versatile descriptor with literal and figurative applications. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. While generally neutral in register, context is key, particularly when describing people, where it can carry negative connotations. Consider synonyms like "greasy", "unctuous", or "slick" for nuanced expression. Be careful about overuse when describing food. Whether discussing machinery, food, or personalities, understanding the subtle implications of "oily" will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greasy

Focuses more on the slick, often undesirable, texture associated with oil.

oleaginous

A more formal and technical term for having the properties of oil.

unctuous

Emphasizes a flattering, ingratiating, and often insincere manner.

slippery

Highlights the smooth, sliding quality often associated with oily substances.

lubricated

Implies a smooth, friction-reducing quality similar to oil.

slick

Describes a smooth, glossy surface or a cunning, deceptive personality.

sebaceous

Specifically refers to the secretion of oil from glands, particularly on skin.

buttery

Suggests a rich, smooth, and sometimes oily texture or flavor.

smarmy

Similar to unctuous, focusing on excessive and insincere flattery.

fulsome

Describes excessive or insincere praise or flattery.

FAQs

How can I use "oily" in a sentence?

You can use "oily" to describe substances containing or resembling oil, for example: "The mechanic wiped his oily hands on a rag." It can also describe insincere behavior, such as: "He gave an oily smile to the customer."

What are some synonyms for "oily" when describing food?

Depending on the context, you might use synonyms such as "greasy", "rich", or "buttery" instead of "oily" to describe food.

When is it appropriate to use "oily" to describe a person?

Using "oily" to describe a person usually implies that they are excessively flattering or insincere. For example, "He gave an oily apology that didn't seem genuine."

What's the difference between "oily" and "greasy"?

"Oily" and "greasy" are often used interchangeably, but "greasy" often implies a more unpleasant or excessive amount of oil. Something "oily" might simply contain oil, while something "greasy" is usually considered unappetizing or dirty.