lastly
UK[ˈlɑːstli]US[ˈlæstli]
adv
Used to introduce the final point in a list or the final item in a sequence.
Morpheme Breakdown
last
ly
last
final
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word 'lastly' is a straightforward formation from the adjective 'last', which itself originates from the Old English superlative form 'latost', meaning "latest" or "most recent." The adverbial suffix '-ly', derived from Old English '-lice', was appended to create a formal adverb indicating sequence or conclusion. This construction follows a common Germanic pattern for forming adverbs, where the suffix specifies the manner of the root adjective. Thus, 'lastly' literally means "in a final manner," serving as a discourse marker to signal the concluding item in an enumeration.
Analysis
Structure: last (final) + ly (adverb suffix)
- last: From Old English 'latost' (latest, last), functioning as the base adjective meaning final in order or time.
- ly: From Old English '-lice', an adverbial suffix used to form adverbs from adjectives, indicating manner or quality.
Examples
Firstly, we need to gather the data; secondly, we must analyze it; and lastly, we will present our findings.
The speaker thanked the organizers, the volunteers, and lastly, the audience.
Add the flour, then the eggs, and lastly, stir in the vanilla extract.