goodly

The word 'goodly' is a native English formation, combining the core adjective 'good' with the adjectival suffix '-ly'. In Old English, the suffix '-līc' (body, form, like) was used to create adjectives meaning 'having the form or character of', as seen in words like 'manly' or 'friendly'. Originally, 'goodly' literally meant 'having the qualities of what is good'. Over time, its primary meaning shifted from describing moral or qualitative excellence to emphasizing the substantial or impressive manifestation of those qualities, leading to its current main sense of 'considerable in size or extent'. The archaic sense of 'handsome' preserves a more direct link to the original 'good qualities', specifically applied to appearance.

Structure: good (virtuous, suitable) + ly (adjective-forming suffix) good: From Old English gōd, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch goed and German gut. Functions as the core adjective meaning 'virtuous, suitable, pleasant'. ly: From Old English -līc, of Germanic origin; meaning 'having the qualities of'. Functions as a suffix forming adjectives from nouns or other adjectives.