invidiously
UK[ɪnˈvɪd.i.əs.li]US[ɪnˈvɪd.i.əs.li]
adv
in a way that is likely to arouse resentment or anger in others because it is unfair or seems unjust.
adv
in a manner showing or caused by envy.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
vid
iously
in
not
vid
see
iously
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word "invidiously" originates from the latin adjective invidiosus, meaning "envious" or "provoking envy," which itself derives from invidia (envy, ill will). the core of invidia is the verb vidēre (to see) combined with the prefix in- (upon, against). the literal sense was "to look upon (someone) with ill will," a meaning that evolved from the act of casting an "evil eye." this concept of looking with malice or resentment transformed into the abstract feeling of envy and the characteristic of being offensive or unfair. the english adverb formed by adding -ly to the adjective "invidious" thus describes an action performed in a manner that is envious or, more commonly, unfairly discriminatory and likely to cause resentment.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + vid (see) + iously (adverb suffix)
- in: a latin prefix meaning "not".
- vid: from latin vidēre, meaning "to see".
- iously: a complex english adverbial suffix derived from latin -iosus (adjective-forming) and english -ly (adverb-forming), indicating manner.
Examples
the benefits were invidiously distributed, favoring a select few.
she felt she was being invidiously compared to her more successful colleague.
the law was applied invidiously, targeting only the most vulnerable groups.