Interrogatively

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a way that is directly associated with the act of asking questions or seeking clarification about a subject matter
2. In a fashion that reflects the nature of inquiries aimed at obtaining knowledge or information from others
3. Done in a way that shows a desire to ask questions or understand something better

Etymology: "Interrogatively" is a plain formation: the adjective "interrogative" with the adverb suffix "-ly" attached. The adjective comes from "interrogative" itself, which ties it to the verb "interrogate," from the Latin "interrogare," meaning to ask or question, built from "inter" (between) and "rogare" (to ask). The suffix does most of the grammatical work here. The "-ly" ending descends from an old Germanic word for "body" or "form," the same root found in "like," so "-ly" once meant something like "in the shape of." Adding it to a word turns an adjective into an adverb describing manner, so "interrogatively" means "in the manner of one who questions."

Synonyms: questioningly