What does concurringly mean?
Concurringly is a rare adverb meaning 'at the same time' or 'in agreement.' It derives from the verb 'concur,' which itself traces back to the Latin 'concurrere,' meaning 'to run together.' When people act concurringly, they do so in parallel or in harmony with others — for example, two committees might work concurringly on the same policy, or a listener might nod concurringly while a speaker makes a point they endorse. In practice, the word is uncommon and formal; most writers reach for the far more frequent adverb 'concurrently' when emphasizing timing, or simply say 'in agreement' when emphasizing assent. Because of this overlap, 'concurringly' occupies a narrow niche: it is useful chiefly when one wants a single word that blends both the temporal and the consensual senses. Its rarity gives it a slightly literary flavor rather than everyday conversational use.
adverbIn a manner that occurs or exists at the same time; simultaneously or in parallel. Also, in a way that expresses agreement with something already stated.
- At the same time; simultaneously.
- In agreement or accord; in a manner that concurs.
"The two committees acted concurringly to finalize the new policy before the deadline."
"The two committees worked concurringly to finalize the merger terms."
"She nodded concurringly as the chairman summarized the board's decision."
While 'concurrently' dominates everyday usage, its rarer sibling 'concurringly' carries a subtle extra shade — not just at the same time, but in willing agreement.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of concurringly
Concurringly is formed from the verb 'concur' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly.' The verb comes from Latin 'concurrere,' a compound of 'con-' ('together') and 'currere' ('to run'), originally meaning to run together or clash, later to happen at the same time or to agree. English adopted 'concur' in the late Middle English period, and derived forms such as 'concurrent' and 'concurrence' followed. The adverb 'concurringly' arose by regular derivation but has always remained marginal compared with 'concurrently.' It shares the Latin root 'currere' with words like 'current,' 'occur,' and 'recur.'
Related word forms
How concurringly is actually used
A rare and somewhat formal word; 'concurrently' or 'in agreement' is far more common in modern usage and usually preferred in careful writing.
Easily confused with concurringly
'Concurrently' means happening at the same time as something else, while 'concurringly' more often emphasizes acting in agreement or accord, though both can overlap in the temporal sense.
'Concurring' is the verb form or adjective describing someone who agrees (as in a 'concurring opinion'), whereas 'concurringly' is the adverb describing how an action is done.