Ruthlessly

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈɹuːθ.ləs.li/

Definitions

1. In a manner that shows no compassion or mercy when pursuing a goal, treating others harshly and without regard for their feelings or suffering
2. In a way that lacks pity or consideration, demonstrating a relentless pursuit of objectives at the expense of others' wellbeing
3. By acting without compassion or empathy, one aggressively advances their aims while disregarding the feelings of those affected

Etymology: Ruthlessly is an adverb built from "ruthless" plus the suffix "-ly," and the adjective is itself a compound of "ruth" and "-less." "Ruth" is a word with a surprising pedigree: it began as a Germanic term for regret or sorrow, from Old English "hrēow" (distress, sorrow), and its Middle English form "reuthe" came to mean pity or compassion, the quality a ruthless person lacks. The "-less" ending, from Old English "-lēas," means "without," so "ruthless" literally meant "without pity." The adverb follows the same logic. The suffix "-ly" comes from Old English "-līce," which turns an adjective into a manner adverb, so "ruthlessly" describes acting in a way that is without pity. Like many adjective-plus-"-ly" formations, it was built after the adjective existed, so the adverb is simply the adjective's sense applied to action.

Synonyms: mercilessly, cruelly, heartlessly, pitilessly, harshly

Antonyms: compassionately, kindly, gently, sympathetically, mercifully