inconsistently
UK[ˌɪnkənˈsɪstəntli]US[ˌɪnkənˈsɪstəntli]
adv
In a way that is not always the same or does not always happen in the same way; in a way that is not consistent.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
consistent
ly
in
not
consistent
steady
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word "inconsistently" is built upon the core concept of "standing together firmly," derived from the Latin verb consistere, a compound of con- (together) and sistere (to cause to stand). The adjective "consistent" evolved to describe something that stands firm and unchanging. Adding the negative prefix in- creates its opposite, "inconsistent," meaning not steady or not uniform. Finally, the adverbial suffix -ly, of Germanic origin, transforms it into a word describing the manner of an action, completing the journey from the literal idea of "not standing together firmly" to the modern abstract meaning of acting in an irregular or variable way.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + consistent (steady) + ly (adverb suffix)
- in: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "not".
- consistent: From Latin consistere (to stand firm), with the suffix -ent forming an adjective. In this word, it functions as the core adjective meaning "steady, unchanging".
- ly: Old English origin, a suffix forming adverbs from adjectives.
Examples
The data was recorded inconsistently, making it difficult to analyze trends.
He applied the rules inconsistently, which led to complaints of unfairness.
The old printer works inconsistently, sometimes jamming and sometimes printing perfectly.