blindly

Blindly is an adverb in English with two broad senses: physically without sight and figuratively, indicating actions performed without awareness, consideration, or regard for consequences.

The adverb is formed from the adjective blind, which in turn traces to Old English blind. The suffix -ly attaches to form an adverb, and related Germanic languages have cognates such as Dutch blind and German blind.

Usage notes: In neutral description, blindly can denote physical inability to see, for example, "She walked blindly into the room." In figurative uses, it often carries a judgmental nuance when describing obedience or trust, as in "they followed the plan blindly" or "blindly trusting authorities."

In discourse, blindly is commonly contrasted with careful, deliberate, or evidence-based action.

See also: blind faith, blindness, bias, critical thinking.