# defy vs duly

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### defy
*verb · IPA /dɪˈfaɪ/ · frequency rank #16,683*
To challenge (someone) or brave (a hazard or opposition).

### duly
*adverb · IPA /ˈdʒuːli/ · frequency rank #16,220*
In a due, fit, or becoming manner; as it ought to be; suitably; properly.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/defy-vs-duly