MERCENARILY Meaning and
Definition
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Mercenarily is an adverb that describes an action or behavior motivated by financial gain or self-interest, particularly with disregard for ethical considerations or moral principles. Derived from the word "mercenary," which refers to a professional soldier hired to fight for a foreign country or any person motivated purely by monetary gain, mercenarily highlights the nature of this self-serving behavior.
When someone acts mercenarily, they prioritize their personal financial benefits over any other concerns, often exhibiting a lack of integrity or an absence of values. Their actions are typically characterized by a willingness to engage in activities solely for monetary gain, without regard for the potential harm they may cause or the breach of trust involved.
This term can be applied to various situations, such as when a person takes advantage of vulnerable individuals for personal profit, exploits resources or power for financial gain, or engages in corrupt practices for money. It conveys a sense of moral bankruptcy, suggesting that the person's primary concern is their own monetary interests, even at the expense of others.
In summary, to act mercenarily means to prioritize financial gain above all else, often at the expense of ethics, integrity, or the well-being of others. It implies a morally questionable disposition that exhibits a disregard for the greater good, emphasizing a self-centered pursuit of profit.
Common Misspellings for MERCENARILY
- nercenarily
- kercenarily
- jercenarily
- mwrcenarily
- msrcenarily
- mdrcenarily
- mrrcenarily
- m4rcenarily
- m3rcenarily
- meecenarily
- medcenarily
- mefcenarily
- metcenarily
- me5cenarily
- me4cenarily
- merxenarily
- mervenarily
- merfenarily
- merdenarily
- mercwnarily
Etymology of MERCENARILY
The word mercenarily is formed from the root word mercenary combined with the suffix -ly.
The term mercenary originates from the Latin word mercennarius, which referred to a soldier who fought for payment rather than loyalty or national duty. It evolved from the Latin word merces, meaning wages or reward.
The suffix -ly is used to form adverbs from adjectives, such as quickly from quick or happily from happy. In the case of mercenary, the addition of -ly forms mercenarily, which means in a mercenary manner or with mercenary motives.
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