What does relatedly mean?
Relatedly means in a related or connected manner. It is formed by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to the adjective related, and it is chiefly used when describing the connection between two ideas, texts, phenomena, or approaches. For example, a writer might say that two subjects are relatedly connected, indicating that their significance depends partly on one another. The word has a formal, analytical tone and is much less common in conversation than related, relate, relation, and relatedness. Although its meaning is readily understandable, it may sound unusual because writers often choose a more specific expression that identifies the precise connection involved. In practical use, relatedly can therefore be effective when brevity is valued, but it is often clearer to specify the nature of the relationship directly.
adverbIn a related or connected manner.
- In a related or connected manner.
"The professor relatedly compared the two theories, tracing the ideas they share."
"The report treats economic growth and environmental protection as relatedly connected concerns."
"The author relatedly discussed the novel and the historical events that inspired it."
This straightforwardly formed adverb is rare, but it shows how familiar suffixes can turn an adjective into a perfectly intelligible word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does relatedly come from?
Relatedly is a modern English derivation formed from related plus the suffix -ly. The adjective related comes through relate from Latin religare, a form of religere meaning "to bind together" or "to join." The same Latin root underlies relation, relative, relativity, and correlate, all of which express ideas involving connection or correspondence.
How relatedly is actually used
A relatively uncommon, formal-sounding adverb. It is more often encountered in technical or academic prose than in everyday speech.