adverbially

Adverbially is an English adverb meaning “in an adverbial manner” or “in a way that functions as an adverb.” It is primarily used in linguistic or grammatical discussion rather than in everyday prose.

It is formed from the adjective adverbial by adding the suffix -ly. The term describes the manner in which something is done by means of an adverb or adverbial phrase. In usage, adverbially modifies a verb, an adjective, or a whole clause to indicate manner, time, intention, or degree, depending on context.

Common examples appear in grammar texts. For instance, “She spoke quickly” uses a single adverb to modify the verb, and is described in analysis as adverbially modifying the action. In “She left in a hurry,” the prepositional phrase “in a hurry” functions adverbially to modify the verb “left.”

Etymology and usage frequency: The word is formed from the adjective adverbial with -ly, and appears in English grammar writing from the 19th century onward. It remains chiefly a term of linguistic discussion rather than common everyday prose.

See also: adverb, adverbial, adverbial phrase, adverbial clause.