Objectionably

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a manner that is subject to opposition or disapproval In a way that is likely to provoke dissent or criticism In a fashion that invites challenges to conventional beliefs or standards
2. In a manner that causes doubt or dislike by others
3. Done so as to offend or disturb standards of acceptability

Etymology: Objectionably is a straightforward compound of two suffixes stacked on an older root. The root is "object," which traces back through Latin "objectare" ("to throw in the way"), built from "ob-" ("against") and "jacere" ("to throw"). That same "throw against" sense gave English the idea of putting something forward in protest, which is where the modern meaning of "object" comes from. The adjective "objectionable" joined the English vocabulary by adding the suffix "-able," which passed through Old French "-able" and Latin "-abilis" and means "capable of being." So something objectionable is something capable of being objected to. The adverb "objectionably" then adds "-ly," a suffix descending from Old English "-līċe," which turned an adjective into a description of manner. Put together, the word describes doing something in a way that invites others to protest or dislike it.

Synonyms: disagreeably, unpleasantly, offensively, repulsively, distastefully

Antonyms: pleasantly, agreeably, favorably, delightfully, satisfactorily