slavishly
UK[ˈsleɪvɪʃli]US[ˈsleɪvɪʃli]
adv
in a way that shows you are completely dependent on or controlled by someone or something, without any original thought
adv
in a way that copies or follows something exactly and without any attempt to be original
Morpheme Breakdown
slavish
ly
slavish
adjective
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the adverb 'slavishly' is built upon the adjective 'slavish', which itself derives from the noun 'slave'. the term 'slave' has a poignant historical origin in medieval latin 'sclavus', referring specifically to slavic peoples who were often captured and forced into servitude during the early medieval period in europe. the suffix '-ish' attaches to nouns to form adjectives meaning 'having the qualities of', thus 'slavish' literally means 'having the qualities of a slave', such as subservience and lack of autonomy. the addition of the adverbial suffix '-ly' transforms this descriptive quality into a manner of action, resulting in the modern meaning of doing something in an excessively imitative or subservient way, devoid of independent thought or creativity.
Analysis
Structure: slavish (adjective) + ly (adverb suffix)
slavish: from the english word 'slave' (from medieval latin 'sclavus', meaning 'slavic captive') + the english adjectival suffix '-ish', forming an adjective meaning 'like a slave'.
ly: from old english '-līce', an adverbial suffix used to form adverbs from adjectives.
Examples
the assistant followed the boss's instructions slavishly, never questioning a single detail.
the film adaptation was slavishly faithful to the book, almost to a fault.
he slavishly copied the painting style of the old masters, without developing his own voice.