What does perishably mean?
Perishably is a rare adverb meaning in a perishable manner or in a way that allows decay, spoilage, or destruction. It is formed from perish with the suffix -ably and is chiefly encountered in formal or technical contexts. For example, a description of food shipments might say that the goods were packed perishably, meaning that the packaging and storage conditions were suitable only for goods that spoil quickly. The word is not usually needed when a more familiar phrase is available: perishably stored produce may be described more naturally as produce stored so that it may spoil or decay. Perishably should not be confused with perishable, the much more common adjective describing something liable to perish. Although grammatically straightforward, perishably is relatively uncommon and can sound strained in everyday conversation.
adverbIn a way that is liable to perish; in a perishable manner.
- In a manner that is subject to decay, spoilage, or destruction.
"The berries were packed perishably, in chilled containers designed to delay spoilage."
"The mushrooms were stored perishably, in ventilated crates that could not keep them fresh for long."
"In that report, perishably was used to mean 'in a perishable manner,' although the construction sounded unusual."
Perishably is the rare adverb for describing something stored in a way that permits decay.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does perishably come from?
Perishably was formed in English from perish and the adverb-forming suffix -ably. Perish entered Middle English from Old French perir, ultimately from Latin perire, a compound of per- and ire meaning 'to pass through' or 'to destroy.' The suffix -ably corresponds to the Latin adjective-forming suffix -abilis, which expresses ability or liability.
How perishably is actually used
A rare English formation, this adverb is chiefly found in formal or technical writing. In ordinary usage, restructuring the sentence is usually clearer, and the adjective perishable is much more common.