lasciviously
UK[ləˈsɪv.i.əs.li]US[ləˈsɪv.i.əs.li]
adv
in a way that shows a strong interest in sexual pleasure, especially in a way that is not socially acceptable
adv
in a manner that is lewd or lustful
Morpheme Breakdown
lasciv
ious
ly
lasciv
wanton, lustful
ious
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word's core, lasciv, originates from the latin adjective lascīvus, which conveyed senses of playfulness, sportiveness, and unbridled wantonness. this latin term is likely related to the verb lacere, meaning "to entice" or "to allure," though its precise pre-latin roots are uncertain. the suffix -ious was added in english, borrowed from latin -iōsus, to form the adjective "lascivious," meaning "characterized by lustful playfulness." finally, the native english adverbial suffix -ly was appended to create the adverb, describing an action performed in a lewd or overtly sexual manner. the evolution traces a path from playful teasing in latin to explicitly sexual impropriety in modern english.
Analysis
Structure: lasciv (wanton, lustful) + ious (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
lasciv (from latin lascīvus, meaning playful, wanton, lustful); ious (latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, meaning "full of" or "characterized by"); ly (old english-derived suffix forming adverbs from adjectives).
Examples
he winked lasciviously at the stranger across the bar.
the villain in the novel is described as grinning lasciviously.
the tabloid article described the celebrity's behavior as acting lasciviously in public.