Ably

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈeɪ.bli/

Definitions

1. In a way that manifests skillfulness and expertise
2. In a manner showing capability and proficiency in performing tasks
3. Done with expertise and the necessary skill to achieve effective results

Etymology: "Ably" is a plain formation: the adjective "able" with the adverbial ending "-ly" attached. Its earliest English forms appear in Middle English as "abeliche," "abelyche," "abilliche," and "abliche," which show the same pattern being worked out in spelling before it settled into the form we use now. The "-ly" ending is itself an old element that turns adjectives into adverbs, so "able" becomes "ably" in the same way "kind" becomes "kindly." The adjective "able" carries most of the word's sense. It comes from Latin "habilis," meaning "easily handled" or "fit," and the same root gave English words like "habit" and "habitat" through other routes. "Ably" therefore describes doing something in a manner that shows that underlying capability, which is why it has come to mean "with great skill."

Synonyms: competently, skillfully

Antonyms: incompetently