inconclusively
UK[ˌɪnkənˈkluːsɪvli]US[ˌɪnkənˈkluːsɪvli]
adv
in a way that does not lead to a definite conclusion or result
Morpheme Breakdown
in
conclusive
ly
in
not
conclusive
serving to settle an issue
ly
in a manner of
Etymology
the word's journey begins with the latin verb concludere, meaning "to shut up, end, or decide," which is formed from con- (completely) and claudere (to shut). from this came the adjective conclusivus, leading to the english "conclusive," meaning serving to end debate. the negative prefix in-, also from latin, was added to form "inconclusive," indicating a lack of finality. finally, the old english adverbial suffix -ly was appended, creating the modern adverb that describes an action performed in a manner that fails to provide a decisive end or clear result.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + conclusive (serving to settle an issue) + ly (in a manner of)
- in: latin origin, a prefix meaning "not".
- conclusive: from latin conclusivus, itself from concludere meaning "to shut up, close, end". functions as the core adjective.
- ly: old english origin, a suffix forming adverbs from adjectives, meaning "in a manner of".
Examples
the investigation ended inconclusively, leaving many questions unanswered.
the debate raged on inconclusively for hours without either side gaining ground.
the data from the initial tests pointed inconclusively in several different directions.