unreasonably
unreasonably
UK[ʌnˈriːznəbli]US[ʌnˈriːznəbli]
adv
in a way that is not fair, acceptable, or based on good judgment
adv
to an excessive or extreme degree
Morpheme Breakdown
un
reason
ably
un
not
reason
cause, justification
ably
in a manner of
Etymology
the word "unreasonably" is a layered construction that charts the development of logical negation in english. its core, "reason," originates from the latin ratio, which fundamentally meant a "reckoning" or "calculation," evolving to signify intellectual justification. the prefix "un-," of ancient germanic lineage, systematically negates this core concept, creating the adjective "unreasonable" to describe something lacking logical basis. finally, the adverbial suffix "-ably," itself a fusion of the latin-derived "-able" and the native english "-ly," transforms the adjective into a modifier describing the manner of an action. thus, the word's literal progression from "not" + "reckoning" + "in a manner of" culminates in its modern sense of acting without fairness or to an unjustifiable extreme.
Analysis
Structure: un (not) + reason (cause, justification) + ably (in a manner of)
- un: a prefix of germanic origin (old english) meaning "not," used to form negatives.
- reason: from latin ratiōnem (reckoning, understanding, motive), via old french raison. functions as the core noun root.
- ably: an adverbial suffix from latin -ābilis (capable of being), via old french -able + english -ly (forming adverbs). indicates the manner of the action.
Examples
the price was increased unreasonably.
she was unreasonably harsh in her criticism.
he worries unreasonably about his health.