intolerably
UK[ɪnˈtɒlərəbli]US[ɪnˈtɑːlərəbli]
adv
to an unacceptable or unbearable degree
Morpheme Breakdown
in
toler
ably
in
not
toler
endure
ably
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word "intolerably" is built upon the latin verb tolerare, meaning "to bear or endure," which itself may be related to the concept of lifting or supporting. the negative prefix in- (meaning "not") was attached to form intolerabilis in late latin, signifying "unbearable." this passed into old french as intolerable before entering middle english. the adverbial suffix -ably is a combination of -able, indicating capability, and -ly, which converts adjectives into adverbs. thus, the literal construction "in a manner that cannot be endured" directly conveys the modern abstract meaning of something being done to an excessive and unacceptable degree.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + toler (endure) + ably (adverb suffix)
- in: latin origin, a prefix meaning "not".
- toler: from latin tolerare meaning "to bear, endure".
- ably: from latin -abilis via old french -able + english -ly, forming adverbs meaning "in a manner that can be [verb]ed".
Examples
the heat in the desert was intolerably intense.
he found her constant criticism intolerably rude.
the delay in the project's completion was intolerably long.