unnaturally
unnaturally
UK[ʌnˈnætʃrəli]US[ʌnˈnætʃrəli]
adv
In a way that is not natural, normal, or genuine; in an artificial, forced, or affected manner.
adv
To an extreme or excessive degree; in a way that seems abnormal or exaggerated.
Morpheme Breakdown
un
natural
ly
un
not
natural
from nature
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word 'unnaturally' is built upon the foundational concept of 'nature,' which originates from the Latin natura, meaning "essential qualities, innate disposition." The adjective 'natural' describes something inherent or in accordance with these qualities. The Germanic prefix 'un-' is then applied to negate this state, creating 'unnatural,' meaning contrary to nature or normal character. Finally, the adverbial suffix '-ly,' with its own deep Germanic roots, is appended to describe the manner in which an action is performed against the natural order. Thus, the word's logical construction moves from a core concept of inherent quality, through its negation, to the specification of how that negation is manifested.
Analysis
Structure: un (not) + natural (from nature) + ly (adverb suffix)
- un: A prefix of Germanic origin (Old English un-), meaning "not." It functions as a negative particle.
- natural: An adjective derived from Latin naturālis, from natura ("birth, nature"), itself from natus ("born"). It functions as the core adjective meaning "of or from nature."
- ly: A suffix of Germanic origin (Old English -līce), used to form adverbs from adjectives. It indicates the manner or way of an action.
Examples
Her smile seemed unnaturally wide and fixed.
The city was unnaturally quiet after the storm passed.
The chemical caused the plants to grow unnaturally fast.