madly

UK: ˈmædli | US: ˈmædli

Definition

  1. adv. in a wild or frenzied manner

  2. adv. to an extreme degree; excessively

Structure
mad <insane>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

madly = mad<insane> + ly<adverb suffix>

  • mad (from Old English gemǣdd, "out of one's mind," related to gemād, "foolish")
  • ly (adverb-forming suffix from Old English -līce, indicating manner or degree)

Etymology Origin:
The word "madly" combines the Old English root mad, meaning "insane" or "furious," with the adverbial suffix -ly, which transforms adjectives into adverbs. Originally describing literal madness, its meaning expanded to convey intensity ("extremely") by the 16th century, reflecting how emotional extremes metaphorically extend to actions or qualities.

Examples

  1. She laughed madly at the absurd joke.

  2. He worked madly to meet the deadline.

  3. The crowd cheered madly for their team.

  4. The wind howled madly through the trees.

  5. They danced madly under the moonlight.