Unpopularly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a way that does not receive significant approval or endorsement
2. In a manner marked by a scarcity of favorable reception or admiration
3. Expressed or done in a way that fails to gain general acceptance or positive regard

Etymology: "Unpopularly" is a plain formation: the adjective "unpopular" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" attached. "Unpopular" itself is built from "un-," a prefix meaning "not," and "popular," which comes into English from Latin "popularis," meaning "of the people" or "belonging to the common people," from "populus," "people." So the word literally describes doing something in a way that the people at large do not favor. The adverb follows the usual English pattern of turning a descriptive adjective into a description of manner. Its meaning is close to the adjective's: something done unpopularly is done in a manner that fails to win general approval or goodwill. Because the adjective is far more common, the adverb is rarely needed, and it is mostly used when a writer wants to describe the manner of an action rather than the thing itself.

Synonyms: disliked, unfavorably

Antonyms: popularly, favorably