fourthly
UK[ˈfɔːθli]US[ˈfɔːrθli]
adv
used to introduce a fourth point or reason in a list or argument.
Morpheme Breakdown
fourth
ly
fourth
ordinal number
ly
adverb-forming suffix
Etymology
the word "fourthly" is a transparent english formation, built directly upon the ordinal number "fourth." the root "four" traces back to proto-indo-european kʷetwóres, which evolved into proto-germanic fedwōr and old english "feower." the ordinal suffix "-th," used to form numbers like fourth, fifth, and sixth, originates from proto-germanic -þô. the adverbial suffix "-ly," from old english '-līċe,' was then appended to create a sequential adverb. this pattern of adding "-ly" to ordinals (firstly, secondly, etc.) became standardized in early modern english as a formal device for enumerating points in discourse, providing a clear and logical structure to lists and arguments.
Analysis
Structure: fourth (ordinal number) + ly (adverb-forming suffix)
- fourth: from old english 'feowertha', related to 'feower' (four). origin: proto-germanic fedurþô, proto-indo-european kʷetwórtos. functional role: base numeral root.
- ly: from old english '-līċe', an adverbial suffix. origin: proto-germanic -līkō. functional role: derivational suffix forming adverbs.
Examples
fourthly, we must consider the long-term environmental impact of the proposed policy.
the report is critical for several reasons: firstly, it's outdated; secondly, the data is incomplete; thirdly, the methodology is flawed; and fourthly, its conclusions are unsupported.
to succeed, you need a good plan, the right tools, a skilled team, and fourthly, a bit of luck.