Difficultly

/ˈdɪfɪkəltli/ adverb

Definition

In a difficult manner; with difficulty or hardship; in a way that requires effort or struggle.

Etymology

From 'difficult' (Latin 'difficultosus,' from 'difficilis') combined with '-ly,' the standard adverb suffix. Latin 'facilis' means easy; 'difficilis' means not easy.

Kelly Says

While 'with difficulty' is more common, 'difficultly' appears in older literature to describe actions performed despite obstacles—Shakespeare might have written of a character speaking 'difficultly' when struggling with emotion.

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