What does adverbially mean?
Adverbially is an adverb meaning 'in the manner of an adverb.' It is used chiefly in linguistic and grammatical contexts to describe cases where a word, phrase, or clause performs the function of an adverb — modifying a verb, adjective, another adverb, or a whole clause by expressing manner, time, place, or degree. For example, one might say that a noun used to indicate time is functioning adverbially, or that a preposition behaves adverbially in a given sentence. The term belongs to the register of grammar teaching and academic writing rather than casual speech, and it pairs naturally with its adjective counterpart, 'adverbial.' Though rarely encountered outside classrooms and scholarly discussion, it offers a precise way to talk about how sentence elements operate, making it valuable for students of language, editors, and anyone interested in the mechanics of English grammar.
adverbIn the manner or function of an adverb; used to describe a word, phrase, or clause that serves as an adverb within a sentence.
- In the manner or function of an adverb — describing how a word, phrase, or clause modifies another element in a sentence.
"In the phrase 'very quickly,' the word 'very' modifies 'quickly' adverbially."
"The preposition 'during' can be used adverbially when it indicates the time of an action."
"Linguists noted that the participle was functioning adverbially rather than adjectivally in the sentence."
It's the rare word whose entire job is to describe other words doing their jobs — grammar's own meta-commentary.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of adverbially
The word derives from 'adverbial,' the adjective formed from 'adverb,' which entered English from Latin 'adverbium' — literally 'to a word' (from 'ad-' meaning 'toward' and 'verbum' meaning 'word'). The Latin term described words added alongside verbs to modify them. 'Adverbially' arose as the adverbial form of this adjective, following the standard English pattern of forming '-ly' adverbs from adjectives. Its cognates include 'verb' and 'verbal,' all tracing back to the same Latin root 'verbum.'
Related word forms
How adverbially is actually used
Primarily a technical term found in linguistics, grammar instruction, and dictionaries rather than everyday conversation. It typically appears in explanatory contexts discussing how particular words behave grammatically.
Easily confused with adverbially
'Adverbial' is the adjective describing something relating to or functioning like an adverb, while 'adverbially' is the corresponding adverb used to state that something functions in that way.