What does parasitically mean?
Parasitically is an adverb meaning in a parasitic manner, especially by obtaining benefits from another organism or person while causing harm or providing little in return. In biology, it can describe an organism that lives on or exploits a host, as in a parasite that feeds parasitically on another animal. In social and economic discussion, the word is more critical and generally implies unfair exploitation, dependency, or an unwillingness to contribute reciprocally. It can therefore describe both a literal biological process and a broader pattern of taking advantage of others. The word is derived from “parasitic,” which ultimately comes from Greek, and is more commonly encountered in formal writing than in everyday conversation.
adverbIn a parasitic manner; by deriving benefit from another organism or person while harming, exploiting, or depending on them.
- In the manner of a parasite, especially by living on, exploiting, or depending on another organism or person.
"The company continued to operate parasitically, taking resources from smaller businesses without contributing fairly to the market."
"The parasite feeds parasitically on its host."
"Several critics argued that the arrangement allowed the corporation to profit parasitically from the workers' labour."
Parasitically traces back to the ancient Greek idea of someone who eats at another person's table, a fitting origin for a word about taking benefits without reciprocal contribution.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parasitically come from?
“Parasitically” was formed from “parasitic” with the adverbial suffix “-ally.” “Parasitic” derives through Latin from Greek parasitos, meaning “one who eats at another person's table,” and ultimately from a term associated with someone who eats alongside another and depends on their hospitality. The modern biological sense developed from this older social and culinary meaning.
Related word forms
How parasitically is actually used
The adverb is formal and evaluative. In biological contexts it describes a parasitic way of life; in social or economic contexts it usually carries a strongly critical connotation.
Easily confused with parasitically
A parasite is a noun for an organism or person that lives on or exploits another, whereas parasitically is an adverb describing behaviour done in that manner.