unusually

UK: ʌnˈjuːʒuəli | US: ʌnˈjuːʒuəli

Definition

  1. adv. in a way that is not common or ordinary; exceptionally

  2. adv. to a remarkable degree; strikingly

Structure
un <not>usual <common>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

The word "unusually" is built from three clear morphemes:

  1. "un-" (a prefix meaning "not," from Old English "un-") negates the root.
  2. "usual" (from Latin "usualis," meaning "ordinary," derived from "usus" meaning "use" or "custom").
  3. "-ly" (an adverb-forming suffix from Old English "-lice," indicating manner or degree).
    The combination creates a word meaning "in a manner not customary," reflecting its Latin and Old English roots through logical layering.
Examples

  1. She was unusually quiet during the meeting.

  2. The weather is unusually warm for December.

  3. He solved the puzzle unusually quickly.

  4. The plant grew unusually tall in such poor soil.

  5. Her voice sounded unusually strained today.