expediently
UK[ɪkˈspiːdiəntli]US[ɪkˈspiːdiəntli]
adv
in a way that is convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral
adv
in a way that is suitable or appropriate for achieving a particular end
Morpheme Breakdown
expedi
ent
ly
expedi
to free, to make ready
ent
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the adverb 'expediently' originates from the latin verb 'expedire', which literally meant "to free the feet from a snare" ('ex-' meaning 'out' and 'pes, pedis' meaning 'foot'). this concrete action evolved metaphorically to signify making something ready, facilitating it, or dispatching it efficiently. the adjective-forming suffix '-ent' was added to create 'expedient', describing something suitable for achieving a purpose, often with a pragmatic or self-serving connotation. finally, the old english adverbial suffix '-ly' was appended, forming 'expediently' to describe the manner of acting in a way that is advantageous and effective for a specific goal, even if it sidesteps broader principles.
Analysis
Structure: expedi (to free, to make ready) + ent (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
expedi: from latin 'expedire' (to free from a snare, to make ready, to dispatch), from 'ex-' (out) + 'pes, pedis' (foot). functions as the core root.
ent: from latin '-ent-', a suffix forming present participles and adjectives meaning "being in a state or condition". functions as an adjective-forming suffix.
ly: from old english '-lice', a suffix forming adverbs from adjectives. functions as an adverb-forming suffix.
Examples
the government acted expediently to pass the emergency legislation.
he chose his words expediently to avoid giving a direct answer.
while not the most ethical solution, it was the most expediently implemented one.