Feebly

/ˈfiːbli/ adverb

Definition

In a weak or feeble manner; with little strength, energy, or conviction.

Etymology

From 'feeble' with the adverbial suffix '-ly,' which comes from Old English '-lice' (meaning 'like' or 'in the manner of'), allowing adjectives to be converted to adverbs describing how an action is performed.

Kelly Says

The '-ly' suffix is so common in English that we barely notice it, but it's one of the most productive word-formation tools we have—you can add it to almost any adjective, and native speakers instantly understand you mean 'in that manner,' even for made-up words.

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