indecently
Meaning
In a way that offends against accepted standards of decency or modesty.
To a shocking or excessive degree.
Structure
Usage
He was accused of behaving indecently in a public place.
The film was criticized for being indecently violent.
She felt the dress was cut indecently low.
Etymology
The word "indecently" is built upon the core concept of what is fitting or proper, derived from the Latin verb decere. The prefix in- negates this core, creating "indecent," which describes something not fitting societal norms of propriety. The adverbial suffix -ly, of Germanic origin, then transforms this adjective into a modifier describing the manner of an action. Thus, the literal morphemic journey from "not fitting" evolves into the modern abstract meaning of acting in a shockingly improper or excessively revealing way.
Analysis
- in: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "not" or "without". - decent: From Latin decens, decent- (present participle of decere "to be fitting"), meaning "proper, suitable, acceptable". - ly: Old English origin, an adverbial suffix meaning "in a manner of".