rhythmically
UK[ˈrɪð.mɪ.kəl.i]US[ˈrɪð.mɪ.kəl.i]
adv
in a way that has a regular, repeated pattern of sound or movement
adv
in a way that relates to or is characteristic of rhythm
Morpheme Breakdown
rhythm
ic
al
ly
rhythm
rhythm
ic
adjective suffix
al
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word 'rhythmically' is built upon the ancient greek noun 'rhythmos', which originally denoted a measured, proportional motion, particularly in poetry, music, and dance. this greek term passed into latin as 'rhythmus' and entered english in the 16th century. to form the adjective 'rhythmic', the greek-derived suffix '-ic' (pertaining to) was attached, with the latin-derived '-al' later added for euphony, creating a double adjectival suffix. finally, the old english adverbial suffix '-ly' was appended, completing the word's evolution into its modern form, which describes an action performed in a manner characterized by a regular, measured pattern.
Analysis
Structure: rhythm (rhythm) + ic (adjective suffix) + al (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
- rhythm: from latin 'rhythmus', from greek 'rhythmos' (measured flow or movement, proportion). the core morpheme conveying the sense of a patterned, recurring sequence.
- ic: from latin '-icus', from greek '-ikos' (adjective-forming suffix meaning "of, pertaining to").
- al: from latin '-alis' (another adjective-forming suffix, often added to nouns ending in '-ic').
- ly: from old english '-lice' (adverb-forming suffix meaning "in a manner of").
Examples
the dancers moved rhythmically to the beat of the drum.
she tapped her pencil rhythmically on the desk while thinking.
the poem is written in a rhythmically complex structure.