How Do You Spell ANECDOTALLY?

Pronunciation: [ˈanɪkdˌə͡ʊtə͡li] (IPA)

Anecdotally is a word that is often misspelled due to its confusing spelling. The correct pronunciation is /əˈnek·doʊt·əl·i/ (uh-nek-doh-tuh-lee), with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of this word follows the pattern of adding the suffix -ally to the stem anecdot-, a noun derived from the French word anecdote. Despite its difficulty, anecdotally is commonly used as an adverb to describe events or stories that are based on personal experience or hearsay, rather than on facts or research.

ANECDOTALLY Meaning and Definition

1. Anecdotally is an adverb derived from the noun "anecdote," representing a method of conveying information or ideas through the use of short narratives or personal accounts. In a dictionary context, anecdotally refers to the manner in which something is conveyed, reported, or supported based on personal observations, testimonies, or informal tales rather than relying on systematic or empirical evidence. The term implies that the information provided is not verifiable or proven through rigorous scientific methods but rather derived from personal experiences, personal anecdotes, or unofficial sources.

   Anecdotally can be used to add contextual information or subjective flavor to discussions, arguments, or research. It is often employed to express personal opinions, impressions, or beliefs as an alternative to objective or empirical data. However, it is important to recognize that anecdotally presented information may not be representative of an entire population or situation, as it stands on individual or limited experiences.

   Using the word anecdotally in a sentence might be in the context of, "Anecdotally, many people claim that a particular herbal remedy effectively relieves headaches, but scientific studies are lacking to support these claims." In this example, the speaker acknowledges that the information is based on personal stories or accounts rather than scientific evidence.

Common Misspellings for ANECDOTALLY

• anedotally
• Antidotacly

Etymology of ANECDOTALLY

The word "anecdotally" is derived from the noun "anecdote" and the suffix "-ally".

The noun "anecdote" originated from the French word "anecdote" and its earlier form "anecdotum". This French word was borrowed from the Greek term "anekdota", which means "unpublished things". In ancient Greece, "anekdota" referred to the secret or private histories of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.

The suffix "-ally" is used to form adverbs from adjectives, thus transforming "anecdote" into "anecdotally". It denotes that something is done or happening in a manner related to the corresponding adjective.

Similar spelling words for ANECDOTALLY

• anecdote,
• anecdotist,
• anecdotal,
• anecdotic,
• anecdotical.