pictorially
UK[pɪkˈtɔːriəli]US[pɪkˈtɔːriəli]
adv
in a way that uses or relates to pictures; visually.
adv
in a way that is very clear and vivid, like a picture.
Morpheme Breakdown
pictor
ial
ly
pictor
painter, picture
ial
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word 'pictorially' is built upon the latin root 'pictor', meaning 'painter', which itself derives from the verb 'pingere' (to paint). the adjectival suffix '-ial' was attached to form 'pictorial', meaning 'of or relating to painting or pictures'. finally, the common english adverbial suffix '-ly' was added, converting the adjective into an adverb. thus, the term's literal progression from 'pertaining to a painter' evolved to describe anything conveyed in a manner characteristic of a picture—visually descriptive and vividly clear.
Analysis
Structure: pictor (painter, picture) + ial (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
pictor (latin: painter, from 'pingere' meaning to paint); ial (latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning 'of or relating to'); ly (old english-derived suffix forming adverbs from adjectives).
Examples
the data was presented pictorially in a series of charts and graphs.
she described the scene so pictorially that i could almost see it.
the instructions are explained pictorially, making them easy to follow.