Leapingly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a fashion that emphasizes sudden jumps or bounds
2. In a way that reflects quick and energetic movements or actions
3. Done with noticeable jumps or sudden upward movements

Etymology: "Leapingly" is a plain formation: the present participle "leaping" (from the verb "leap") with the adverb-forming suffix "-ly" attached. The suffix "-ly" comes from Old English "-lice," itself related to the word "lic," meaning body or form, so an adverb like this one literally describes doing something "in the form of" the action named. Here, that action is leaping. The result is an adverb that describes manner, the way something moves or happens, specifically with sudden jumps or bounds. Because "leaping" already carries the idea of springing into the air, "leapingly" adds an adverbial layer to that motion, so a sentence about a lively animal or a bouncing ball can describe its movement as irregular and bounding rather than smooth.

Synonyms: jumpingly, bouncily