Gymnastically

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a manner that is characteristic of gymnastics, underlining poise and precision in movement
2. In a way that emphasizes the principles of gymnastics, focusing on agility and strength during performance
3. In a fashion that reflects the skillful execution of gymnastics, highlighting balance and flexibility

Etymology: "Gymnastically" is a plain formation: it comes from "gymnastic" with the adverb ending "-ally", or from the older "gymnastical" with "-ly". The adjective "gymnastic" goes back to the Greek "gymnastikos", meaning "fit for exercise", and that in turn comes from "gymnazein", to train naked. The Greeks trained in the nude, which is where the root's original sense of bodily training with bare limbs comes from. The adverb simply describes doing something in the manner of gymnastics: moving with the controlled, trained precision expected of a gymnast. It has no separate history of its own, so its meaning follows directly from the adjective's, which in English came to refer to physical exercise as a discipline and only later to the specific sport.