earnestly
UK[ˈɜːnɪstli]US[ˈɜːrnɪstli]
adv
in a serious, sincere, and determined way
Morpheme Breakdown
earnest
ly
earnest
ly
Etymology
the adverb 'earnestly' is formed by adding the old english adverbial suffix '-ly' to the adjective 'earnest'. the adjective itself has germanic roots, deriving from old english 'eornoste', meaning serious or zealous. this old english term is related to old high german 'ernust', which conveys a sense of seriousness and vigor. the core semantic thread from its ancient germanic origins to modern english retains the concept of sincere and intense seriousness, with the '-ly' suffix simply converting this quality into a manner of action.
Analysis
Structure: earnest + ly
- earnest (adjective): from old english eornoste (serious, zealous), of germanic origin; related to old high german ernust.
- ly (suffix): from old english -līce, forming adverbs from adjectives; of germanic origin.
Examples
she listened earnestly to his advice.
he earnestly promised to change his ways.
they are earnestly seeking a solution to the problem.