Adverbiality

/ˌædvɚbiˈæləti/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being adverbial; the degree or manner in which something functions as or has the characteristics of an adverb.

Etymology

From 'adverbial' (adjective) + '-ity' (Latin suffix creating abstract nouns from adjectives). The '-ity' suffix comes from Latin and creates sophisticated-sounding abstract nouns.

Kelly Says

The suffix '-ity' creates some of English's most formal abstract nouns—'gravity,' 'velocity,' 'adverbility.' It's so associated with academic and technical language that adding '-ity' to any adjective instantly makes it sound more scholarly, even if the resulting word is rare or unused.

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