Affectedly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a manner that is artificial, pretentious, or designed to impress others rather than being genuine or natural
2. In a way that manifests an unnatural quality, indicating an intention to impress or an influence that is not authentic or sincere
3. In a fashion that is overly theatrical or contrived, often aiming to attract attention rather than reflect true feelings or characteristics

Etymology: "Affectedly" is simply "affected" with the adverbial ending "-ly" attached, and the adjective "affected" has a more interesting past than its adverb. It comes from the Latin "afficere," meaning "to act upon" or "to influence," and it entered English as a participle describing someone who had been acted upon, emotionally or physically. Over time its sense shifted from being moved by something to putting on a manner for show, which is where the modern idea of pretence comes from. The adverb takes the same path. The ending "-ly" traces back through Old English "-līċe," which meant "in the manner of" or "like," so the word literally describes doing something in the manner of a person who is putting on an air. The ending is the familiar one found in countless adverbs such as "quickly" and "bravely," and it is the piece that turns the adjective into a description of how an action is performed.

Synonyms: pretentiously, insincerely

Antonyms: genuinely, sincerely