Appraisingly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a way that reflects careful evaluation or judgment
2. With an attitude that embodies scrutiny or analytical consideration
3. In a manner showing close examination and thoughtful evaluation

Etymology: "Appraisingly" is a plain formation: the adjective "appraising" with the suffix "-ly" attached. The adjective "appraising" comes from the verb "appraise," which meant "to set a price on something" and later broadened to "to judge the value or quality of." The suffix traces back through Middle English "-ly" and Old English "-līce," which was used to turn adjectives into adverbs describing the manner of an action, so "appraisingly" means "in an appraising manner." The suffix is ancient and productive. Its root, Proto-Germanic "*-līkaz," meant something like "having the form or appearance of," and it is related to the word "like." Over centuries, English speakers attached "-ly" to countless adjectives, so "appraisingly" is one of many adverbs built this way rather than a word with a distinctive history of its own.

Synonyms: evaluatively, judgingly