Gallingly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. Characterized by causing annoyance or resentment due to something perceived as unfair or improper
2. Describing an action or statement that provokes irritation or anger because of its offensive nature
3. Pertaining to a situation that elicits frustration or displeasure due to its perceived injustice or absurdity

Etymology: "Gallingly" is an inflected form: it is the adverb of "galling," formed by adding the suffix "-ly" to that adjective. "Galling" comes from the verb "gall," which in English has long meant to chafe or wear away the skin, and figuratively to irritate or vex someone. The adverbial ending traces back a long way. It descends from a Proto-Germanic suffix meaning "having the body or form of," which passed through Old English "-līce" and Middle English "-ly" before becoming the modern English "-ly" that turns adjectives into adverbs. So "gallingly" describes doing something in a manner that is galling, that is, irritating in a way that rankles.