computationally
UK[ˌkɒmpjʊˈteɪʃənəli]US[ˌkɑːmpjʊˈteɪʃənəli]
adv
In a way that uses or relates to computers, especially to the mathematical and logical operations they perform.
Morpheme Breakdown
compute
ation
ally
compute
to calculate
ation
noun suffix
ally
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word 'computationally' is built upon the Latin verb 'computare', meaning "to sum up, reckon, calculate," which itself derives from 'com-' (together) and 'putare' (to reckon, consider). The addition of the noun-forming suffix '-ation' transforms the action into a concept: "computation," the act or process of calculation. Finally, the adverbial suffix '-ally' is appended, shifting the meaning to describe the manner in which something is done: "by means of or in relation to computation." This layered construction perfectly encapsulates the modern, abstract sense of performing tasks through the logical, mathematical processes characteristic of computers.
Analysis
Structure: compute (to calculate) + ation (noun suffix) + ally (adverb suffix)
- compute: From Latin 'computare' (to count, calculate). Functional role: Core verb root.
- ation: A suffix of Latin origin ('-atio') forming nouns of action or state. Functional role: Converts the verb into a noun.
- ally: A suffix of Latin origin ('-alis' + '-iter') forming adverbs meaning "in a manner of". Functional role: Converts the noun into an adverb.
Examples
The problem is too complex to solve computationally.
This model was tested computationally before the physical prototype was built.
The two algorithms are computationally equivalent, but one is more efficient in practice.