luminously

Luminously is an English adverb meaning in a luminous, shining, or radiant manner. It modifies verbs and adjectives that describe light or clarity. It is formed from the adjective luminous by adding the suffix -ly.

Etymology: The adjective luminous derives from Latin lūminōsus "full of light," from lūmen "light." The adverb luminously is formed in English by the standard pattern of adding -ly to an adjective ending in -ous.

Usage: It is primarily found in literary or formal writing. It can describe physical illumination—e.g., a hall luminously bathed in sunlight—and can extend metaphorically to clarity of thought or expression—e.g., a luminously argued case or a luminously clear explanation.

Notes: The word is relatively uncommon in everyday speech; other adverbs like brightly or radiantly are usually preferred in ordinary contexts. In poetry or elevated prose it can convey a soft, even glow. Comparative and superlative forms are possible: more luminously and most luminously.

Related terms: luminous, luminescence, luminary.