hotly
UK: ˈhɒtli | US: ˈhɑːtli
adv. in an intense, passionate, or angry manner
adv. with strong emphasis or urgency
The word "hotly" combines the adjective "hot" (from Old English hāt, meaning "having high temperature") with the adverbial suffix "-ly" (from Old English -līce, used to form adverbs). Originally tied to literal heat, "hotly" evolved metaphorically to describe fervor, intensity, or urgency in speech or action. The suffix "-ly" systematically converts adjectives into adverbs, preserving the core meaning while shifting grammatical function.
The debate was hotly contested by both candidates.
She denied the accusations hotly, her face flushed with anger.
The issue has been hotly debated among scientists for decades.
Fans hotly anticipated the release of the new album.
He argued hotly in defense of his controversial theory.