Abasedly

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /əˈbeɪs.ɪd.li/

Definitions

1. in a manner characterized by a demeaning attitude that shows a reduction in self-esteem and an acknowledgment of one's inferiority that conveys a sense of submissiveness
2. through actions or behaviors exhibiting a lack of confidence that signify a decline in one's dignity and reveal a position of humbleness or humiliation
3. Expressing oneself with diminished pride or self-respect, indicating a humble or submissive stance

Etymology: "Abasedly" is a plain formation: the adjective "abased" (meaning brought low or humbled) with the adverbial suffix "-ly" added. The verb "abase" came into English from Old French "abaisser," meaning to lower, which itself traces back to Latin roots meaning "down" and "low." The suffix "-ly" has a longer history, descending from an Old English element "-līce" that formed adverbs from adjectives, and it has been the standard way to turn adjectives into adverbs in English ever since. Because "abased" is the past-participle-style adjective, "abasedly" describes an action carried out in the manner of someone who has been humbled, that is, with humble submission. The combination is transparent: the root sense of lowering survives intact in the meaning, so a reader can work out the sense of the word from its parts.

Synonyms: humble, submissively