expressly
Meaning
in a clear and definite way; explicitly.
for a specific purpose; specially.
Structure
Usage
the rules were expressly forbidden in the contract.
the tool was designed expressly for left-handed users.
she stated expressly that she would not attend the meeting.
Etymology
the adverb 'expressly' is built upon the adjective 'express', which entered english from old french 'express' and ultimately from latin 'expressus', the past participle of 'exprimere'. this latin verb is a compound of 'ex-' ('out') and 'premere' ('to press'), literally meaning 'to press out' or 'to squeeze out'. the metaphorical extension from physical pressing to the extraction of clear meaning or intent is evident in the latin usage, where 'expressus' could mean 'clearly stated' or 'distinct'. the english adverbial suffix '-ly' was then appended to this adjective, forming a word that denotes an action performed in a clear, explicit, or deliberate manner, carrying forward the core idea of making something distinct and evident as if pressed out into the open.
Analysis
- ex: from latin, meaning 'out of, from'. functions as a prefix indicating outward direction or separation. - press: from latin 'pressus', the past participle of 'premere', meaning 'to press'. functions as the core root conveying the sense of applying force or squeezing. - ly: from old english '-lice', an adverbial suffix forming adverbs from adjectives. functions as a suffix indicating manner or quality.