What does parliamentarily mean?
Parliamentarily is an adverb meaning in a way that relates to Parliament or follows parliamentary procedures. It is used especially when describing the formal debate, consideration, approval, or conduct of a legislative matter. The word carries a formal and institutional tone, suggesting that decisions are reached through established channels, discussion, and voting rather than through informal or arbitrary means. For example, a proposal might be said to have been considered parliamentarily when it has been debated in the usual parliamentary fashion. Although the word is closely related to the adjective parliamentary, it expresses manner rather than simple membership or association. It is most appropriate in political, governmental, and historical writing, and less natural in casual speech.
adverbIn a manner relating to parliament or characteristic of parliamentary proceedings, debate, or organization.
- In the manner characteristic of parliament or its procedures.
- By means of parliament or through parliamentary action.
"The bill was debated parliamentarily before the committee made its recommendation."
"The matter was considered parliamentarily, with both sides permitted to debate the proposal."
"The committee's decision was made parliamentarily rather than through informal consultation."
Some actions are not merely related to Parliament; they are done in a specifically parliamentary way.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parliamentarily come from?
The word is formed from parliamentary, an adjective derived from parliament, plus the adverbial suffix -ly. Parliament ultimately comes through Old French parler, meaning to speak or talk, and represents a body of people who speak or deliberate together. The English form developed in the Middle English period and became associated with legislative assemblies and their procedures. Modern cognates include parliamentarian, while parliamentary is the direct adjectival base from which this adverb is formed.
Related word forms
How parliamentarily is actually used
The adverb is relatively formal and is most common in political, legislative, and institutional contexts. It can imply that an action follows established parliamentary procedures or debate.
Easily confused with parliamentarily
As an adverb, it describes something done in accordance with parliamentary procedures or principles.
“Parliamentary” is the adjective relating to parliament, while “parliamentarily” describes the manner in which an action is carried out.