foolishly

UK: ˈfuːlɪʃli | US: ˈfuːlɪʃli

Definition

  1. adv. in a silly or unwise manner

  2. adv. without good judgment or sense

Structure
foolish <lacking sense>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

foolishly = foolish<lacking sense> + ly<adverb suffix>

  • foolish: Derived from Middle English folish, from fol (fool) + -ish (adjective suffix). The root fol traces back to Old French fol (mad, foolish), from Latin follis (bellows, windbag), metaphorically extended to mean "empty-headed."
  • -ly: A common English adverb-forming suffix from Old English -līce, indicating manner or quality.

Etymology Origin:
The word foolishly combines foolish, rooted in the idea of being "empty-headed" (from Latin follis), with the adverbial suffix -ly. The progression reflects a shift from literal "windbag" to metaphorical "lack of sense," then to the modern adverbial form describing unwise actions.

Examples

  1. He laughed foolishly at his own mistake.

  2. She spent her money foolishly on unnecessary things.

  3. The decision was made foolishly, without proper thought.

  4. He nodded foolishly, not understanding the question.

  5. They behaved foolishly during the serious meeting.