What does desirably mean?
Desirably is an adverb meaning in a manner that is desirable — that is, attractively, advantageously, or in a way worth having. It is formed from the adjective desirable by adding the adverbial suffix -ly, following a common English pattern. The word appears most often in formal or semi-formal writing: estate agents describe properties as desirably located, analysts note when figures have fallen to desirably low levels, and reviewers praise products for being desirably lightweight or durable. Its connotations are positive but measured; it suggests something is genuinely advantageous without implying perfection. While perfectly standard, desirably is less frequent in casual conversation than its adjective parent desirable, with speakers more likely to say something is in a desirable spot than that it is desirably placed. It pairs naturally with past participles describing position or condition, making it a compact way to signal that something measures up well against what people want.
adverbIn a manner that is desirable, attractive, or worth having; in a way that is wished for or advantageous.
- In a way that is desirable, advantageous, or worth having; often used to describe location, qualities, or levels (as in 'desirably located' or 'a desirably low price').
"The apartment was desirably located, just a short walk from the river."
"The cottage sits desirably close to both the beach and the village square."
"Interest rates have fallen to desirably low levels, encouraging first-time buyers."
Real-estate agents love 'desirably located' so much that the phrase has become one of the most recognizable clichés in property listings — proof that a single adverb can sell a house before you've seen the photos.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of desirably
Desirably derives from the adjective desirable combined with the adverbial suffix -ly. Desirable itself traces back through Old French to the Latin verb desiderare, meaning to long for or wish for, formed from de- plus sidus (star) — originally perhaps suggesting a longing for what the stars portend. The Latin root also gave English words such as desire, desirous, and desideratum, all sharing the core sense of yearning for something valued.
Related word forms
How desirably is actually used
Somewhat formal in register and most at home in written contexts such as property listings, reports, and reviews. In everyday speech, speakers tend to prefer constructions like 'in a desirable spot' or 'ideally' rather than the adverb. It frequently modifies participles like 'located', 'positioned', or 'situated'.
Easily confused with desirably
Desirable is an adjective describing something worth wanting, while desirably is its adverb form describing how something is done or situated.