# idly vs idol

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### idly
*adverb · IPA /ˈaɪd(ə)lɪ/ · frequency rank #31,612*
Without specific purpose, intent or effort.

### idol
*noun · IPA /ˈaɪ.dl̩/ · frequency rank #7,802*
A graven image or representation of anything that is revered, or believed to convey spiritual power.

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