What does obsoletely mean?
Obsoletely is an adverb meaning “in an obsolete manner,” with the emphasis on something having become old-fashioned, outdated, or no longer accepted in ordinary use. It is more specific than simply saying that something is old: the word carries the implication that a particular form or practice has passed out of contemporary relevance. For example, a guide might describe a phrase as “obsoletely archaic” if it sounds antiquated to modern readers. The adverb is relatively uncommon and tends to appear in formal, literary, technical, or deliberately humorous writing. It is especially useful when discussing language, traditions, systems, and methods whose former status or function has disappeared. Although the related adjective obsolete is far more frequent, obsoletely provides a concise way to describe an action, formulation, or approach that belongs to an earlier period.
adverbIn a manner or to a degree that is obsolete; in a way that is no longer current, accepted, or useful.
- In a manner that is no longer current, accepted, or standard.
"The guide uses several obsoletely archaic terms that may confuse modern readers."
"The manuscript includes several obsoletely phrased expressions."
"That approach has become obsoletely impractical for modern systems."
Obsoletely describes not merely something old, but something whose time in ordinary use has passed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does obsoletely come from?
The word comes from the Latin adjective obsoletus, meaning “old, worn out, or no longer used,” and the adverb is formed from obsolete with the suffix -ly. English borrowed obsolete in the 16th century, initially in contexts involving old, outmoded practices or language. The related noun obsolescence and adjective obsolescent developed from the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How obsoletely is actually used
This adverb is relatively uncommon and sounds formal or literary. It is often used to emphasize that a word, practice, or style has become outdated or has fallen out of standard use.
Easily confused with obsoletely
An obsolete word or practice is no longer in use, whereas an obsolescent one is becoming outdated but may still be encountered or accepted in some contexts.