What does supinely mean?
Supinely is an adverb meaning in a submissive, compliant manner, especially with an implication of passivity or excessive deference. Its figurative sense is generally more common in modern prose than its literal sense: a person can accept criticism or yield to authority “supinely,” meaning without protest and with unresisting obedience. The word can also mean lying on one’s back, as when someone lies supinely in the grass. Because it is precise but formal and somewhat literary, supinely often carries a faintly critical or archaic tone, especially when used to describe a person’s willingness to submit. Its unusual vowel length and Latinate rhythm make it memorable, while the contrast between open resistance and passive acquiescence makes it useful in writing about power, obedience, and the limits of personal agency.
adverbLying on one's back, or in a submissive, unresisting manner.
- In a submissive, compliant, or unresisting manner.
- Lying on one's back.
"He accepted the criticism supinely, without protest."
"He accepted the criticism supinely, without protest."
"The sunbather lay supinely on the grass, eyes closed against the bright sky."
From Latin supinus, meaning “lying on the back,” supinely can describe both a reclined body and someone metaphorically ready to do anything.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of supinely
Supinely comes from Latin supinē, the adverbial form of supinus, meaning “lying on the back” or “bent backward.” The same Latin root underlies English supine, supination, and supinate, which preserve the root idea of a backward or upward-turned position. English supinely developed both its literal sense of lying on the back and its figurative sense of submissive compliance.
How supinely is actually used
The word is formal, literary, and relatively uncommon. Its figurative use often carries a critical implication of excessive compliance or passivity.
Easily confused with supinely
Supinely is the adverb, whereas supine is the corresponding adjective meaning lying on one's back or excessively deferential.