What does expletively mean?
Expletively is an adverb used to emphasize the intensity of an expletive or to express strong annoyance or frustration. It is often used in informal contexts to convey a sense of extreme irritation or exasperation. The word is typically used in conjunction with a verb or an expletive to emphasize the strength of the emotion being expressed. For example, 'This traffic is expletively frustrating!' or 'I'm expletively tired of waiting in line.' The word is not typically used in formal contexts and is considered a strong expression of annoyance or frustration. It is often used in everyday conversation to express extreme irritation or exasperation. The word has been in use since the mid-20th century and has become a common expression in informal language.
adverbUsed to emphasize the intensity of an expletive or to express strong annoyance or frustration.
- Used to emphasize the intensity of an expletive or to express strong annoyance or frustration.
"She exclaimed, 'This traffic is expletively frustrating!'"
"She exclaimed, 'This traffic is expletively frustrating!'"
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of expletively
The word 'expletively' is derived from the word 'expletive,' which refers to a strong or profane expression. The word 'expletively' is thought to have originated in the mid-20th century as a way to emphasize the intensity of an expletive or to express strong annoyance or frustration.
How expletively is actually used
This word is typically used in informal contexts and is considered a strong expression of annoyance or frustration.