Admirably

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈæd.mə.ɹə.bli/

Definitions

1. In a way that is worthy of high regard or respect
2. Performed in a manner that elicits admiration and praise
3. Done in a way that deserves approval and respect

Etymology: "Admirably" is a straightforward formation: the adjective "admirable" with the adverbial ending "-ly" added. That ending has a long pedigree. It descends from an Old English suffix "-līce," which was itself built on the word for "body" or "form," so the idea of something being done "in the manner of" a quality was baked in from the start. Over the centuries "-līce" wore down to "-ly" in Middle English, and that same ending now turns countless adjectives into adverbs. The adjective "admirable" carries the older story. Its root is the Latin verb "admirari," meaning "to wonder at" or "to marvel," so to admire something was originally to be struck with wonder. "Admirably" therefore describes an action done in a way that makes onlookers stop and marvel, and the modern sense of praise grew out of that original sense of astonishment.

Synonyms: commendably, excellently, wonderfully

Antonyms: poorly, badly