Acceptably

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ækˈsɛp.tə.bli/

Definitions

1. In a manner that is viewed as sufficient or fitting for specific circumstances
2. In a way that satisfies the necessary criteria or expectations
3. Done in a fashion considered adequate or suitable under the given conditions

Etymology: "Acceptably" is a straightforward formation: the adjective "acceptable" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" added to it. The adjective came into English from Old French "acceptable," which traces back to Latin "acceptabilis," built on "acceptare," meaning "to accept" or "receive gladly," itself a frequentative of "accipere," "to take in." So the word's core idea is something that can be taken in favourably. The adverb took its shape in Middle English, when "-ly" was the regular way to turn an adjective into a manner word, so "acceptably" describes doing something in a way that meets the required standard. Its meaning has stayed close to that: a task done acceptably is adequate for the conditions, not necessarily excellent.

Synonyms: tolerably, satisfactorily, sufficiently, adequately, reasonably

Antonyms: unacceptably, insufficiently, unsatisfactorily, intolerably, poorly