appointively
|ap-point-ive-ly|
/əˈpɔɪntɪv/
(appointive)
given by appointment
Etymology
'appointive' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'apointer', where the prefix 'a-' meant 'to' and the element related to Latin 'punctum' meant 'point' or 'fix'.
'appointive' changed from Old French 'apointer' into Middle English forms such as 'appointen'/'appoint', and the adjective form developed in English as 'appointive' before the adverbial form 'appointively' was created by adding '-ly'.
Initially it meant 'to fix or determine (a time, place, or person)', but over time it evolved into the adjectival sense 'relating to appointment' and the adverbial sense 'by means of appointment'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
(This entry describes the base form from which 'appointively' is formed) Relating to or conferred by appointment; of or pertaining to appointments.
He held an appointive office in the city government.
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Adverb 1
in a manner relating to appointment; by or as the result of an appointment (rather than by election or other means).
Positions were filled appointively rather than by election.
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Last updated: 2025/09/26 05:46