Actionably

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a way that permits relevant changes or reactions
2. In a way that enables initiation of legal or formal steps against something or someone
3. Such that it provides grounds for official or lawful claims to be made or pursued

Etymology: "Actionably" is simply "actionable" with the adverbial ending "-ly" added. "Actionable" itself comes from "action" plus the suffix "-able," meaning "able to be acted upon," and in legal use it describes conduct that gives grounds for a lawsuit. Adding "-ly" turns the adjective into an adverb, so the word describes doing something in a way that would support a legal claim. The suffix "-ly" has been attached to English adjectives since Old English, which is why formations like this one follow a regular pattern. Because the base word is a legal term, the adverb inherits that courtroom sense rather than the everyday idea of something being practical or useful.

Synonyms: legally, sued