loyally
UK[ˈlɔɪəli]US[ˈlɔɪəli]
adv
in a way that shows firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution
adv
in a faithful manner to one's promise, commitment, or duty
Morpheme Breakdown
loyal
ly
loyal
faithful
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the adverb 'loyally' is built upon the adjective 'loyal', which entered english from old french 'loial' in the late 15th century. the old french term derives from latin 'legalis', meaning 'legal' or 'pertaining to the law', from 'lex' (law). the semantic shift from 'legal' to 'faithful' reflects the feudal concept of fidelity to one's lawful obligations and sovereign. the suffix '-ly', of germanic origin, is a prolific adverb-forming element in english, attached to adjectives to denote 'in a specified manner'. thus, 'loyally' literally means 'in a manner faithful to one's legal or sworn commitments'.
Analysis
Structure: loyal (faithful) + ly (adverb suffix)
- loyal: from old french, ultimately from latin 'legalis' (legal), via the sense of 'faithful to the law'.
- ly: from old english '-lice', an adverb-forming suffix indicating manner or quality.
Examples
the soldiers served their king loyally for decades.
she loyally defended her friend against the unfair criticism.
the old dog waited loyally by the gate for its owner to return.