imperfectly

Imperfectly is an adverb used to describe the manner in which an action is performed, indicating it is done in an imperfect or flawed way. It can imply partial success, incomplete execution, or lack of precision, and it is often contrasted with more positive adverbs such as perfectly or accurately.

In grammar, imperfectly modifies verbs and expresses a sense of incompleteness or faultiness in the action or process. The form is created from the adjective imperfect, combined with the -ly suffix that forms adverbs. The usage is descriptive rather than prescriptive and does not inherently assign moral judgment to the subject.

Examples include: The machine operated imperfectly, causing delays. She understood the concept imperfectly, leading to incorrect conclusions.

Etymology: The adjective imperfect comes from Latin imperfectus, with the -ly suffix added in English to form the adverb. The exact dating varies, but imperfectly appears in English after the development of the adverbial -ly suffix in Middle English.

See also imperfection, imperfective aspect, perfection, adverb.