topically
Meaning
In a way that relates to a particular subject or topic.
In a way that relates to or is applied to a particular area of the body or a surface.
Structure
Usage
The article only addressed the issue topically, without exploring its deeper causes.
The ointment is applied topically to the affected skin area.
The speaker wandered from his main point but remained topically relevant to the conference theme.
Etymology
The word 'topically' originates from the Greek topos, meaning 'place' or 'commonplace'. In ancient rhetoric, this evolved to refer to a general subject or theme of argument, a 'topic'. The Latin suffix -alis was added to form the adjective 'topical', meaning 'pertaining to a topic or subject'. Finally, the Old English adverbial suffix -lice (modern -ly) was appended, creating 'topically', which describes an action done in relation to a specific subject or, in medical contexts, applied to a specific bodily 'place' or surface.
Analysis
- topic: From Latin topica, from Greek ta topika ('matters concerning commonplaces'), from topos ('place', 'commonplace'). - al: A suffix forming adjectives, from Latin -alis. - ly: A suffix forming adverbs from adjectives, from Old English -lice.