Anomalously

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /əˈnɑmələsli/

Definitions

1. In a fashion that diverges from typical behavior or trends
2. Through actions or occurrences that are abnormal or not commonly seen in regular situations
3. In a way that deviates significantly from the usual pattern or expectation

Etymology: "Anomalously" is an adverb built from "anomalous" and the suffix "-ly," so its history is largely the history of that suffix. The adjective "anomalous" comes from Greek "anōmalos," meaning "uneven" or "irregular," formed from "a-" (not) and "homalos" (even, level). The sense of departing from what is normal or expected grew out of that literal image of something not lying flat or smooth. The ending "-ly" has a long pedigree of its own. It descends from a Proto-Germanic word meaning "body" or "form," which appears in Old English as "-līc," used to make adjectives meaning "having the form or appearance of" something. Over time "-līc" wore down to "-ly" in Middle English, and speakers began attaching it to adjectives to form adverbs describing the manner of an action. "Anomalously" therefore names the way something departs from the usual pattern.

Synonyms: abnormally, irregularly, atypically

Antonyms: normally, regularly