similarly
UK[ˈsɪmɪləli]US[ˈsɪmɪlərli]
adv
in a similar way; almost the same
Morpheme Breakdown
simil
ar
ly
simil
like
ar
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word 'similarly' is built upon the latin adjective 'similis', meaning 'like' or 'alike'. the suffix '-ar' (a variant of '-alis') was attached to form the english adjective 'similar', denoting a shared quality. finally, the old english adverbial suffix '-ly', originally meaning 'body' or 'form' and evolving to indicate manner, was appended. thus, the literal construction 'in a similar manner' directly and logically yields the modern meaning of 'in a way that is alike or comparable'.
Analysis
Structure: simil (like) + ar (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
- simil: from latin 'similis', meaning 'like, resembling, of the same kind'. serves as the core root conveying the concept of likeness.
- ar: a latin-derived suffix used to form adjectives (e.g., similar, regular, popular). its functional role is to convert the root into an adjective.
- ly: from old english '-līc', an adverbial suffix meaning 'having the qualities of'. its role is to convert the adjective into an adverb.
Examples
the two brothers dress similarly.
the software was updated, and similarly, the hardware needs an upgrade.
she approached the problem similarly to how her mentor would.