poorly
UK[ˈpɔːli]US[ˈpʊrli]
adv
In an unsatisfactory or inadequate manner.
adv
In a way that shows a lack of success or good health.
Morpheme Breakdown
poor
ly
poor
lacking
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word 'poorly' is a straightforward combination of the adjective 'poor' and the adverbial suffix '-ly'. The root 'poor' entered English via Old French from the Latin 'pauper', meaning "producing little, poor," which itself is a compound of 'pau-' (little) and the root of 'parere' (to produce). The suffix '-ly' has Germanic origins, evolving from Old English '-līc', used to form adjectives and later adverbs indicating manner. Therefore, 'poorly' literally means "in a poor manner," a sense that has extended from material lack to encompass inadequate quality, performance, or health.
Analysis
Structure: poor (lacking) + ly (adverb suffix)
- poor: From Old French 'povre', from Latin 'pauper' (poor). Functions as the adjectival root.
- ly: From Old English '-līc' (having the form or quality of). Functions as an adverb-forming suffix.
Examples
The project was poorly managed and failed to meet its objectives.
She felt poorly after the long journey and decided to rest.
The instructions were written so poorly that no one could understand them.