unfavorably
unfavorably
UK[ʌnˈfeɪv(ə)rəbli]US[ʌnˈfeɪv(ə)rəbli]
adv
in a way that shows disapproval or dislike
adv
in a way that is disadvantageous or likely to cause problems
Morpheme Breakdown
un
favor
ably
un
not
favor
approval, kindness
ably
in a manner of
Etymology
the word "unfavorably" is built upon the latin noun favor, meaning "goodwill" or "kindly regard," which itself derives from the verb favere, "to show kindness to." the negating prefix "un-," of old english origin, was attached to the adjective "favorable" to create its opposite. finally, the adverbial suffix "-ly," also from old english, was added to form the adverb, completing a logical journey from the concept of showing kindness to its precise opposite in manner: acting in a way that shows disapproval or creates disadvantage.
Analysis
Structure: un (not) + favor (approval, kindness) + ably (in a manner of)
- un: a prefix of germanic origin (old english) meaning "not," serving a negating function.
- favor: from latin favor (goodwill, approval), serving as the core noun root.
- ably: from latin -abilis (able to be) via old french -able and the adverbial suffix -ly, combining to mean "in a manner that can be."
Examples
the committee looked unfavorably upon his late application.
recent economic trends have shifted unfavorably for small exporters.
she compared the product unfavorably with its main competitor.