unaccountably
Meaning
in a manner that is difficult or impossible to explain or understand
to a surprisingly great or excessive degree
Structure
Usage
the keys had unaccountably disappeared from the hook by the door.
he felt unaccountably sad on what should have been a joyous occasion.
for an amateur, she played the piece unaccountably well.
Etymology
The word 'unaccountably' is built upon the core verb 'account', which traces back to the Latin 'computare', meaning to calculate or reckon. The prefix 'un-', of Old English origin, applies a straightforward negation, transforming the meaning to "not able to be reckoned or explained." The adverbial suffix '-ably', derived from the Latin '-abilis' through Old French, then modifies this state into a descriptor of manner. Thus, the literal construction "not + explainable + in a manner" evolved into its modern abstract sense of describing something that occurs in a puzzling or inexplicable way.
Analysis
- un: a prefix of germanic origin (old english) meaning "not," serving a negating function. - account: from old french 'aconter', based on latin 'computare' (to calculate, reckon), functioning as the core verb root meaning "to explain or consider." - ably: an adverbial suffix of latin origin (via old french '-able' + '-ly'), indicating the manner or capability of an action.