opaquely
UK[əʊˈpeɪkli]US[oʊˈpeɪkli]
adv
In a manner that does not allow light to pass through; not transparently.
adv
In a manner that is hard to understand; not clearly expressed.
Morpheme Breakdown
opaque
ly
opaque
not transparent
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word 'opaquely' is built upon the adjective 'opaque', which entered English in the late 15th century from Latin opacus, meaning "shaded, dark, obscure." The Latin term's origins are uncertain but may be related to a Proto-Indo-European root implying covering or obstruction. The adverbial suffix '-ly' is a native English element from Old English, used to convert adjectives into adverbs, describing the manner of an action. Thus, 'opaquely' literally means "in an obscure or non-transparent manner," a meaning that applies both to physical light blockage and to figurative conceptual impenetrability.
Analysis
Structure: opaque (not transparent) + ly (adverb suffix)
- opaque: From Latin opacus (shaded, dark, obscure). Functions as the adjective root.
- ly: From Old English -līce (forming adverbs). Functions as a derivational suffix forming adverbs from adjectives.
Examples
The windows were tinted so opaquely that nothing outside was visible.
The report was written so opaquely that its main conclusions were unclear.
The artist layered the paint opaquely to completely cover the canvas beneath.