Copiously

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a manner that expresses a large quantity or an abundant degree
2. To an extent that is overflowing or overly generous in amount
3. In a way that demonstrates thoroughness or excessive richness in detail

Etymology: "Copiously" is a plain formation: the adjective "copious" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" added. "Copious" came into English from Latin "copiosus," meaning "abundant," which was built from "copia," "abundance," and that noun is rooted in "co-" ("together") and "ops" ("resources, wealth"). The idea underneath is of resources gathered together in quantity. The suffix does the adverb work. It descends from an Old English element, "-līċe," which was itself built on the adjectival ending "-līc" ("having the form or appearance of"), so the sense of "in a manner like" gradually became the standard way of turning adjectives into adverbs. Middle English wore that ending down to "-ly," the form we use today.

Synonyms: abundantly, plentifully, profusely

Antonyms: sparingly, scantily