OpenEtymology

fabulously

UKˈfæbjələsliUSˈfæbjələsli

Meaning

1adv

in an extremely good, wonderful, or impressive way.

2adv

to an extraordinary or incredible degree.

Structure

word structure
1
story
+
2
ous
adjective suffix
+
3
ly
adverb suffix

Usage

the party was fabulously decorated with lights and flowers.

she is fabulously wealthy due to her successful investments.

the performance was fabulously received by the critics.

Etymology

the word 'fabulously' embarks on a journey from the realm of storytelling. its core, the latin 'fabula', referred to a narrative, often one of myth or legend. through the adjective-forming suffix '-ous', 'fabulous' came to mean 'like a fable' or 'mythical', eventually evolving to signify something so extraordinary it seems almost legendary. the final addition of the adverbial suffix '-ly' transforms this quality of legendary excellence into a descriptor of manner or degree, yielding the modern sense of doing something in an astonishingly impressive way.

Analysis

Structure
fabul (story) + ous (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)=fabulstory+ousadjective suffix+lyadverb suffix

fabul originates from latin 'fabula' (story, tale), indicating a narrative. the suffix -ous is from latin '-osus', forming adjectives meaning 'full of' or 'characterized by'. the suffix -ly is from old english '-lice', forming adverbs from adjectives.

Fabulously Meaning, Examples & Word Origin | OpenEtymology