normally
UK[ˈnɔːməli]US[ˈnɔːrməli]
adv
in the usual or expected way; under normal circumstances.
adv
in a manner that is typical or usual.
Morpheme Breakdown
norm
al
ly
norm
standard, rule
al
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word 'normally' is built upon the latin noun 'norma', which originally referred to a carpenter's square—a tool for establishing right angles and, by extension, a standard of correctness. the adjective-forming suffix '-al' was attached to create 'normal', meaning "conforming to a standard." finally, the old english adverbial suffix '-ly', a prolific and enduring grammatical element, was added to describe the manner of an action. thus, the literal progression from a physical measuring tool to an abstract concept of regularity is encapsulated in the word's structure, with 'normally' meaning "in a standard or customary manner."
Analysis
Structure: norm (standard, rule) + al (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
norm: from latin 'norma' meaning "carpenter's square, rule, pattern," functioning as the core root denoting a standard or rule.
al: a latin-derived suffix used to form adjectives meaning "of or pertaining to," here converting the noun 'norm' into the adjective 'normal'.
ly: an old english-derived suffix used to form adverbs from adjectives, indicating "in a manner of."
Examples
the system is functioning normally.
normally, i would agree, but this is a special case.
she spoke quite normally despite the shocking news.