secondly
UK[ˈsɛkəndli]US[ˈsɛkəndli]
adv
used to introduce a second point or reason
Morpheme Breakdown
second
ly
second
following first
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word 'secondly' is a straightforward formation built upon the ordinal number 'second,' which itself originates from the Latin secundus, meaning "following" or "next." This Latin term derives from the verb sequi (to follow), a root with deep Proto-Indo-European ancestry (sekw- meaning "to follow"). The adverbial suffix '-ly,' of Germanic origin, was productively attached in English to create adverbs indicating sequence or manner. Therefore, 'secondly' literally means "in the following manner," logically evolving to function as a discourse marker introducing the next item in a list or argument.
Analysis
Structure: second (following first) + ly (adverb suffix)
- second: From Latin secundus meaning "following, next in order," from the verb sequi "to follow." In this word, it functions as the numeral base.
- ly: From Old English -līc, an adverbial suffix used to form adverbs from adjectives or other sources, indicating manner or quality.
Examples
Firstly, we must secure funding. Secondly, we need to hire a team.
The plan has two major flaws: firstly, it's too expensive, and secondly, it's impractical.
She objected for two reasons. Firstly, it was against policy. Secondly, it was morally wrong.