Residentially

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. Relating to or suitable for living in residential areas, typically involving housing and community facilities
2. Pertaining to the characteristics, qualities, or situations of residential spaces and environments
3. Describing activities, developments, or policies that specifically address residential living and neighborhoods

Etymology: "Residentially" is a plain formation: the adjective "residential" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" attached. The adjective "residential" comes from "residence," which traces back to Latin "residere," meaning "to sit back" or "to remain behind," built from "re-" (back) and "sedere" (to sit). The sense of "a place where one dwells" grew out of that idea of remaining in one spot. The suffix does the adverbial work. It descends from an old Germanic word for "body" or "form," which over time became a common way of turning adjectives into adverbs. In Old English the form was "-līce," which softened into Middle English "-ly" and remains the standard adverb ending today. Attaching it to "residential" produces "residentially," meaning "in a way that relates to homes or dwelling places."

Synonyms: domestically, locally, neighborhood-wise

Antonyms: commercially, industrially, officially