frequently
Meaning
At frequent intervals; often.
Structure
Usage
The buses run frequently during rush hour.
She frequently travels to Europe for work.
This is a mistake that beginners frequently make.
Etymology
The word 'frequently' is built upon the Latin adjective frequens, which originally meant 'crowded, in great numbers' and evolved to signify 'repeated at short intervals'. This Latin term is of uncertain deeper origin, though it may be connected to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to stuff, to cram'. The adverbial suffix '-ly' has Germanic origins, descending from the Old English -līce, which was used to form adverbs from adjectives, akin to the modern '-like'. Thus, the literal construction 'in a frequent manner' logically evolved into its modern, abstract meaning of describing an action that occurs often or at regular, short intervals.
Analysis
- frequent: From Latin frequens, frequent- meaning 'crowded, repeated, regular'. Functions as the adjective root. - ly: From Old English -līce, an adverbial suffix. Functions as a derivational suffix converting an adjective into an adverb.