Redoubtably

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. Characterized by undeniable strength or certainty, often describing a fact or quality that can’t be questioned
2. Marked by a sense of firm conviction, particularly in claims or assertions that hold substantial weight
3. Describing a situation where arguments or truths are recognized as indisputable and compelling in their validity

Etymology: "Redoubtably" is simply the adverb of "redoubtable," so its history is that of the adjective plus an ending. The adjective came into English from French, where "redoutable" meant something worth dreading, and the French word traces back to the verb "redouter," to fear greatly. The adverb is the adjective with the suffix "-ly" attached, and that suffix has a long pedigree of its own: it descends from a Proto-Germanic form meaning "body" or "form," which Old English turned into "-līċe," meaning "in the manner of." Middle English shortened this to "-ly," so an adverb like this one carries a Germanic ending on top of a French stem. The sense has moved in an interesting direction. A redoubtable opponent was once one to be feared, and the adverb grew out of that sense of formidable strength. Over time, the fearsome quality softened into admiration: to act redoubtably is to act with a commanding, unshakeable firmness that others respect.

Synonyms: undoubtedly, certainly, unquestionably

Antonyms: doubtfully, questionably