immoderately
UK[ɪˈmɒdərətli]US[ɪˈmɑːdərətli]
adv
in a way that is not reasonable or controlled; excessively
Morpheme Breakdown
im
moderate
ly
im
not
moderate
within limits
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word 'immoderately' is built upon the latin root 'moderatus', the past participle of 'moderari' meaning 'to regulate or restrain'. the prefix 'im-' is an assimilated form of 'in-', meaning 'not', which negates the core concept of moderation. the adverbial suffix '-ly', of germanic origin, was attached to the adjective 'immoderate' to form the adverb. thus, the literal construction 'not within limits' evolved directly into the modern sense of acting or occurring in an excessive, uncontrolled manner.
Analysis
Structure: im (not) + moderate (within limits) + ly (adverb suffix)
im- (Latin, a prefix meaning 'not'); moderate (Latin, from 'moderatus', meaning 'within due measure'); -ly (Old English, an adverbial suffix).
Examples
he drank immoderately at the party and later regretted it.
she was criticized for spending immoderately on luxury items.
the politician reacted immoderately to the mild criticism.