Singlehandedly

Singlehandedly is an adverb that means doing something entirely by oneself, without help from others. It is often used to emphasize the degree of effort, independence, or the absence of collaboration in completing a task.

Etymology and form: The word combines single-handed (one-handed; capable of acting without assistance) with the adverbial suffix -ly. The phrase conveys the idea that a single person carried out the action, using the metaphor of employing only one hand.

Usage and nuance: Singlehandedly is commonly used in everyday speech and in writing to highlight exceptional effort or to credit one person with a result that might otherwise seem to require a team. It can express admiration, irony, or hyperbole depending on context. It is more informal than phrases like 'alone and unaided' and may overstate impact in some situations.

Examples and related terms: "She singlehandedly organized the fundraiser," or "The project was completed singlehandedly by the CEO." Related terms include solo, unaided, and independently; antonyms include collaboratively, in a team. See also "by oneself" and "on one's own."