ANCIENTLY Meaning and
Definition
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Anciently is an adverb that originally derives from the word "ancient," which refers to something that is old, belonging to a distant past, or existing or occurring in a time long ago. The term "anciently" is used to describe actions, events, or situations that took place or existed in ancient times.
In a historical context, anciently highlights actions or occurrences that happened during a specific era in history, often implying a sense of antiquity and the presence of rich cultural heritage. It can refer to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Rome, or Greece, and the practices, customs, and beliefs that characterized those distant times. For example, one might use the term "the art of pottery was anciently practiced in many ancient cultures" to suggest that the practice of pottery-making existed in numerous ancient civilizations.
More broadly, "anciently" can also denote anything that is old-fashioned, outmoded, or archaic. For instance, someone might say "this building was anciently designed" to imply that the architectural style reflects an earlier period or is no longer common or trendy.
Overall, "anciently" is an adverb that helps to situate actions or things within a distant past, often conveying a sense of historical importance or showcasing something that has endured the test of time.
Common Misspellings for ANCIENTLY
Etymology of ANCIENTLY
The word "anciently" is formed from the combination of the adjective "ancient" and the suffix "-ly".
The adjective "ancient" traces its roots back to the Old French word "ancien" which means "old". It further derives from the Latin word "antiquus" meaning "former" or "ancient".
The suffix "-ly" is derived from Old English and is used to form adverbs. It is akin to the Old Norse "-liga" and the German "-lich".
Therefore, the etymology of "anciently" can be understood as the combination of the Old French "ancien" and the Old English "-ly", resulting in an adverb meaning "in an ancient manner" or "in the manner of the past".
Similar spelling words for ANCIENTLY
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