Roundly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a manner that is both clear and decisive, reflecting strong emphasis and thoroughness in evaluation
2. Done with a smooth, curved motion or shape ; carried out with full and thorough emphasis or completeness
3. In a manner that follows a curved or circular path ; performed decisively and without reservation

Etymology: "Roundly" is simply the adjective "round" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" attached. In Middle English the adverb appeared in several spellings, including "roundly," "roundely," and "roundliche," and its earliest sense was physical: something moving in a circle, or shaped like a sphere. Medieval writers used it of motion and form long before it described speech. The leap from the literal to the figurative is the interesting part. A round object has no hidden corners, so "roundly" came to mean fully, completely, or without evasion. From there it drifted toward the sense in use today: speaking plainly and bluntly, saying exactly what one thinks without softening it. The shape of a circle, which presents everything at once with nothing concealed, is a fair picture of that openness.

Synonyms: thoroughly, completely

Antonyms: partially, incompletely