unusually
Meaning
to a greater degree than is usual or common; exceptionally.
in a way that is not common, typical, or expected.
Structure
Usage
the weather was unusually warm for october.
she was unusually quiet during the meeting.
he has an unusually good memory for names and dates.
Etymology
The word "unusually" is built upon the core adjective "usual," which entered English from Old French and ultimately derives from the Latin usualis, meaning "customary," itself from usus meaning "use" or "custom." The negative prefix "un-," of Germanic origin, is attached to negate the quality, forming the adjective "unusual" meaning "not customary." Finally, the Old English adverbial suffix "-ly" is appended, a productive suffix that converts adjectives into adverbs, to create the form describing the manner of being not ordinary. Thus, the word's literal construction follows a clear logical path from "not customary" to describing an action or state that deviates from the norm.
Analysis
- un: a prefix of germanic origin, meaning "not". - usual: from latin usualis, meaning "ordinary, customary". - ly: an old english suffix forming adverbs from adjectives.