Eschatologically

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. Relating to discussions about the ultimate nature of existence, including death, final judgment, and destinies of individuals and humanity collectively
2. Connected to beliefs or theories regarding the conclusion of time, the fate of souls, and existential outcomes defined by spiritual doctrines
3. Pertaining to theories concerning the end of times, ultimate destinies of individuals, and the broader implications for humanity within a spiritual context

Etymology: "Eschatologically" is simply "eschatological" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" attached, so its history is that of its parent adjective. "Eschatological" comes from "eschatology," the branch of theology concerned with the last things: death, judgment, heaven and hell, and the end of history. That noun was built from Greek "eschatos," meaning "last" or "furthest," with the suffix "-logy," meaning "study of" or "discourse about." The Greek root also appears in "eschaton," the end of the world, which gives the whole family its focus on finality. The adverb's job is to describe how something is considered or argued: a text might be read eschatologically, meaning with attention to its visions of the end. Used this way, the word takes a concept rooted in Christian doctrine and applies it to any inquiry into ultimate destinies, whether religious or secular.