indivisibly

Indivisibly is an adverb meaning “in a manner that cannot be divided” or “in a way that is indivisible.” It describes actions, properties, or entities understood as irreducible by definition, or so finely subdivided that further division would alter their nature. The form is derived from the adjective indivisible, which comes from Latin indivisibilis (not divisible), from in- (not) + divisibilis (divisible), with the English suffix -able and the adverbial ending -ly.

Historically, the related noun indivisible is used in mathematics and philosophy to refer to a concept or entity that cannot be divided without changing its essential character. This idea lies at the core of early atomism, where matter was hypothesized to consist of indivisible units. In contemporary science, literal indivisibility at all scales is not upheld, but the term persists in philosophical and mathematical discourse as a shorthand for irreducibility or discreteness. The adverb indivisibly is primarily found in formal or theoretical writing, and is less common in everyday language.

Examples: “The rule is applied indivisibly, treating the base unit as a single, unbreakable element.” “In this model, time is conceived indivisibly, as a sequence of moments that cannot be subdivided.”

See also: indivisible, atom, atomism, divisibility, quantum, discreteness.