What does susceptibly mean?
Susceptibly is an adverb meaning in a manner that is easily influenced, affected, or emotionally moved. It is especially used to describe how readily a person responds to external pressures, criticism, disease, or other circumstances. For example, someone who reacts strongly to criticism may be described as reacting susceptibly to negative feedback. The word derives from the adjective susceptible, which means open to influence or likely to be affected. Although susceptibly is grammatically straightforward and occurs in formal and informal writing, it is less common than alternatives such as readily, easily, or vulnerably. Its use can suggest either a temporary emotional response or a more persistent vulnerability to particular influences.
adverbIn a susceptible manner; in a way that is readily influenced or liable to be affected.
- Readily influenced, affected, or liable to emotional or physical response.
"The child was unusually susceptibly, and a small setback led to tears."
"People who are highly sensitive may react susceptibly to criticism."
"The metal was susceptibly affected by changes in temperature."
Susceptibly describes how easily someone or something can be influenced, affected, or emotionally moved.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does susceptibly come from?
The word comes from the Latin suscipere, meaning 'to receive' or 'to take upon oneself', combined with the suffix -ible, which forms adjectives expressing the capacity to be affected. The related English adjective susceptible developed from this root, and susceptibly was formed by adding the adverbial suffix -ly. The Latin root also underlies susceptibility and related words concerned with receiving, accepting, or being affected.
Related word forms
How susceptibly is actually used
This adverb is relatively uncommon; writers often use 'readily', 'easily', or 'vulnerably' instead, depending on the intended meaning.