Bigly is a controversial term due to its unconventional spelling. Although some people use it as an adverb to mean "in a big way," others argue that it is not a real word. The pronunciation of bigly is /ˈbɪɡli/ with the stress on the first syllable. The "g" in bigly is pronounced like a hard "g," as in "goat". The "-ly" at the end is pronounced like "lee," as in "tree." Despite the debate surrounding this word, it remains a topic of interest for lexicographers and language enthusiasts alike.
Bigly is an adverb that is used to describe something or someone who is considered large, significant, or substantial in size, magnitude, or importance. It originated from the Old English word "big," which meant strong or powerful. The term gained popularity in recent years due to its frequent use in colloquial English and its association with a particular public figure.
In modern usage, "bigly" typically refers to an idea, concept, action, or quantity that is grand, prominent, or notable. It denotes an assertion of considerable scale or impact. The word is often used to emphasize the significance or magnitude of something, conveying a sense of prominence and dominance. It can also suggest qualities such as assertiveness, forcefulness, or self-assuredness.
While "bigly" had fallen out of common usage for some time, it experienced a revival as a result of its association with a prominent political figure, who employed the term during a campaign speech. Consequently, "bigly" became a subject of discussion and controversy, gaining attention in popular culture and resulting in its reintegration into everyday language.
In summary, "bigly" is an adverb used to describe something or someone considerable in size, importance, impact, or dominance. It carries connotations of prominence, forcefulness, and assertiveness.
The word "bigly" is derived from the root word "big" which can be traced back to Old English "bīg" meaning "strong" or "powerful". The -ly suffix is an adverbial ending, often used to form adverbs from adjectives in English. So, "bigly" essentially means "in a big manner" or "in a big way". While it has existed for centuries, its usage has seen a resurgence in recent times, particularly in political discourse.