Votively

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a way that reflects profound dedication or loyalty
2. Characterized by actions undertaken to honor a promise or as a thankfulness gesture
3. In a manner that conveys heartfelt commitment or an earnest pledge

Etymology: "Votively" is an adverb built from the adjective "votive" plus the adverb-forming suffix "-ly", so it simply means in the manner of a vow or votive offering. The adjective "votive" comes from Latin "votivus", meaning promised or pledged, from "votum", a vow. A votive offering is something given to fulfil a pledge, such as a candle lit in a church or a figure set up in a temple after a prayer has been answered. The suffix does the ordinary work it does in other words, turning an adjective into a description of how something is done. So a person who acts votively does so as a fulfilment of a vow, not out of duty or habit. The word therefore carries the whole idea of the vow inside it, with the adverb simply describing the manner of the act.

Synonyms: devotedly, dedicatively