Unsentimentally

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. Displaying a lack of emotion or warmth in behavior or expression
2. indicating an approach that is pragmatic and straightforward without emotional engagement
3. conveying thoughts or actions devoid of emotional considerations or romantic notions

Etymology: "Unsentimentally" is a plain stack of parts: "un-" meaning "not," the adjective "sentimental," and the adverb ending "-ly." The adjective "sentimental" is the more interesting piece. It was formed in English from "sentiment," which came from Latin "sentire," "to feel," through the noun "sentimentum" and then Old French "sentement." English "sentimental" took shape in the 18th century, and it was built on the existing "sentiment" with the adjective ending "-al," which came into English through Old French from Latin "-alis." The prefix "un-" is an old Germanic element, inherited from Proto-Germanic and present in English since Old English, so it was attached to the adjective to give "unsentimental," meaning not sentimental. The "-ly" ending comes from Old English "-līce," a suffix that turns adjectives into adverbs. Adding it to "unsentimental" gives the adverb, describing an action done without emotional display or softness.

Synonyms: practically, matter-of-factly

Antonyms: sentimentally