Roundely

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a blunt, forthright manner that speaks plainly without softening the message ; to a thorough or complete degree, as in being decisively beaten
2. Speaking openly and directly, without any diplomatic softening ; completely and thoroughly, often used of a decisive defeat or criticism
3. With blunt, unvarnished frankness in what is said ; wholly and decisively, leaving nothing partial or unfinished about the result

Etymology: "Roundly" is "round" plus the adverb ending "-ly," and the surprise lies in the first part. A round object has no corners to hide behind, and English speakers applied that image to speech. To speak "round" was to say things directly, without hedging or sidestepping. The adverb carried this sense of plain, unvarnished speech, so to speak roundly was to speak frankly. The adverb also took on a second sense, shifting from manner of speaking to degree of action. Someone who is roundly criticised is criticised thoroughly, with nothing held back. Both senses rest on the same idea of directness: going straight to the point rather than circling around it.