intently
UK: ɪnˈtentli | US: ɪnˈtentli
adv. with earnest or eager attention
adv. in a focused or determined manner
intently = intent<focus> + ly<adverb suffix>
- intent (from Latin intentus, past participle of intendere "to stretch toward, aim at," from in- "toward" + tendere "to stretch")
- ly (Old English adverbial suffix indicating manner or quality)
Etymology Origin:
The word "intently" combines "intent," derived from the Latin intendere (to stretch or direct one's focus toward something), with the adverbial suffix "-ly." The Latin root reflects the idea of mental or physical focus, while "-ly" transforms it into an adverb describing how an action is performed—here, with concentrated attention.
She listened intently to the professor's lecture.
The detective stared intently at the evidence.
The child watched intently as the butterfly landed on the flower.
He worked intently on the project until it was perfect.
The audience leaned forward intently during the climactic scene.