adverbi

Adverbi are words that modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbi, or entire clauses, providing information about manner, time, place, frequency, degree, or modality. In many languages, adverbi are invariable and do not show gender or number, though some languages form them with suffixes or use inflection. The term derives from a Latin root meaning “added to the verb.”

Adverbi are commonly categorized by function: adverbi of manner answer how something happens; adverbi of time indicate when something occurs; adverbi of place specify where; adverbi of frequency reveal how often; adverbi of degree express the extent or intensity; and adverbi of modality convey possibility, certainty, or attitude. They can modify a verb (She spoke softly), an adjective (very tall), another adverbi (runs surprisingly quickly), or an entire clause (Fortunately, we arrived on time). Adverbi can also appear as adverbial phrases or adverbial clauses that function as modifiers.

In syntax, adverbi are generally more flexible than adjectives and may appear in different positions depending on the language and emphasis. Many languages form adverbi from adjectives through dedicated suffixes or particles; English frequently uses the suffix -ly (quick → quickly) but contains many adverbi with irregular forms (well, fast) that do not follow that pattern.

Examples of common adverbi include quickly, yesterday, there, often, very, almost, and not. While many adverbi end in -ly in English, this is not a universal rule, and the exact behavior of adverbi varies across languages.