What does averagely mean?
"Averagely" is an adverb meaning in an average manner — to a typical, moderate, or unremarkable degree. It describes actions, qualities, or performances that sit at the middle of the scale rather than at either extreme: a film might be averagely entertaining, or students might perform averagely on an exam. The word derives directly from "average," which entered English via Old French and Italian trading terminology relating to the distribution of losses on shipped goods before broadening into its modern statistical sense. Although perfectly intelligible and grammatically standard, "averagely" is notably uncommon in contemporary usage; most speakers prefer constructions such as "on average," "about average," or simply "middling." Its scarcity gives it a slightly formal or bookish flavor when it does appear. For learners, it is worth recognizing, but alternatives are usually more natural in conversation and writing.
adverbIn a way that is average; to an ordinary, typical, or moderate degree.
- To an average or moderate degree; neither especially well nor especially badly.
"The restaurant was averagely priced, though the service was excellent."
"The film was averagely entertaining — watchable, but nothing memorable."
"Students performed averagely across all subjects this term."
"Averagely" is the rare adverb most of us replace with "on average" — so uncommon that many dictionaries barely acknowledge it exists.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of averagely
"Averagely" is formed by adding the adverbial suffix "-ly" to "average." The underlying word "average" entered English in the late medieval period from commercial usage, likely via Anglo-Norman French "avarie" (a charge or duty on goods) and related Italian maritime terms, with possible ultimate roots in Arabic. Originally referring to the apportionment of financial loss on damaged cargo, "average" gradually shifted to mean the arithmetic mean and then anything typical or ordinary. The adverb "averagely" arose later by straightforward derivation, remaining a comparatively marginal form in English.
Related word forms
How averagely is actually used
"Averagely" is relatively rare in everyday English; speakers and writers far more often reach for phrases such as "on average," "about average," or "middling." It carries a neutral connotation and can occasionally sound slightly formal or stilted, which contributes to its low frequency. It is understood in both British and American English.