The spelling of the phrase "more badly" can be confusing, as it seems redundant to use both "more" and "badly" to convey a stronger sense of negativity. However, the correct spelling is necessary for clear communication in written English. In IPA phonetic transcription, "more badly" would be pronounced /mɔr ˈbædli/, with stress on the second syllable of "badly" to denote emphasis. Despite the seemingly confusing construction, this phrase is often used to emphasize the severity of a negative situation or outcome.
More badly is an adverbial phrase formed by combining the comparative form of the adjective "bad" (which means not good or undesirable) and the adverb "more" (which denotes a higher degree or intensity). This phrase is used to emphasize the negative quality or severity of a situation, event, action, or condition, indicating that it is worse than something else or exceeding a certain standard of undesirability.
When used in a comparative context, "more badly" suggests that the situation being described is worse or more negative in comparison to another situation or a previous state. It conveys a heightened level of dissatisfaction, disappointment, or discomfort. For example, if someone says that they feel "more badly" today than yesterday, they are expressing that their emotional or physical state is worse or more unfavorable than it was in the past.
Additionally, "more badly" can be used to express a stronger sense of moral wrongdoing or error. It denotes a higher level of severity or immorality in a particular action or behavior. For instance, if someone says that a crime was committed "more badly" than another, they are implying that the nature or consequences of the crime were graver or more severe.
In summary, "more badly" functions as an adverbial phrase that intensifies the negativity, dissatisfaction, immorality, or severity of a given situation, action, event, or condition when compared to something else.
The word "more badly" consists of the adverb "more" and the adjective "badly". Let's examine the etymology of each component:
1. More: The word "more" originated from the Old English word "māra". It is related to the Old High German word "mēro" and the Old Norse word "meiri", all of which share a common Proto-Germanic root "*maizô". This root emphasizes the comparative degree, indicating a greater amount, degree, or extent. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation evolved, but the meaning remained relatively unchanged.
2. Badly: The word "badly" came from the adjective "bad". "Bad" originated from the Old English word "bæddel" or "bædling", meaning 'effeminate man,' 'hermaphrodite,' or 'weakling.