Feasibly

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈfiːzɪb(ə)li/

Definitions

1. In a manner that is reasonable and practical, something can be done | Achieving a proposed plan or idea is possible under the given conditions | It is achievable to carry out a task or project within specified limits
2. In a way that suggests something is possible and sensible, a proposed action can be realistically accomplished under current circumstances
3. An approach that indicates viability and practicality implies that a task or project can succeed given certain restrictions

Etymology: The term "feasibly" is an adverb that derives from the adjective "feasible," which itself traces its origins back to the Latin verb "facere," meaning "to do" or "to make." This Latin root has been a prolific source for various words in English, pertaining to the concept of action or making things possible. The transition from "facere" to "feasible" involves the addition of the suffix "-able," which is used in English to form adjectives indicating capability or suitability. The word made its entrance into the English language in the late 15th century, around the year 1480, as "feasible." It was borrowed from the Middle French "faisable," which also derives from the same Latin root "facere." The adoption of this term into English signified the growing influence of French on the English lexicon during the post-Norman Conquest period, as many Latin-derived words entered the language through French intermediaries. As "feasible" took hold in English, its meaning evolved to signify something that could be accomplished or carried out effectively. This sense of practicality is intrinsic to the word, linking back to its Latin origins, which convey the idea of making or doing something. The transition from a simple descriptor of capability to a broader application in contexts such as planning, decision-making, and project management reflects the term's adaptability in modern English. The adverbial form "feasibly" emerged later, following the standard English convention of adding the suffix "-ly" to adjectives to create adverbs. This suffix is derived from the Old English "-lic," which has evolved over centuries into the modern form. The formation of "feasibly" allows for the expression of actions or conditions that can be undertaken in a feasible manner, further reinforcing the connection to its roots in practicality and capability. In contemporary usage, this term is often found in contexts that involve assessments of potential outcomes, such as in business plans, engineering projects, or any scenario where the practicality of an idea or course of action is being evaluated. The evolution of its meaning from a straightforward capability to a nuanced assessment of plausibility underscores the dynamic nature of language and its capacity to adapt to new contexts and uses. Thus, "feasibly," with its origins steeped in the Latin "facere" and the journey through French and Middle English, encapsulates the essence of practicality and the evaluation of possibilities, firmly establishing its place in the lexicon of modern English.

Synonyms: practically, realistically, possibly, achievably, doably

Antonyms: impossibly, unrealistically, infeasibly, unachievably, undoubtedly