muscularly

Muscularly is an English adverb that describes performing an action with noticeable muscular effort or strength, in a way that emphasizes muscular power. It is formed from the adjective muscular, which relates to muscle tissue or muscular development.

Etymology: The base adjective muscular comes from Latin muscularis, itself derived from musculus (little mouse) and later passed into English through French and Latin-influenced forms. The adverbial form muscularly is created by adding the standard -ly suffix to muscular.

Usage: Muscularly is uncommon in everyday English. It may appear in more formal, descriptive, or stylistic writing to stress the physical aspect of an action. In most ordinary contexts, speakers prefer phrases like “in a muscular way,” “with muscular effort,” or simply describe the action without specifying manner.

Examples: The athlete lifted the log muscularly, his arms taut with exertion. The dancer moved muscularly, each gesture powered by deliberate muscle engagement. In scientific writing, one might describe motion as being driven by skeletal and muscular systems, rather than using the adverb alone.

See also: muscle, muscular, musculature, adverbs of manner, strength training.