backhandedly
|back-hand-ed-ly|
/ˈbækˌhændɪdli/
(backhanded)
indirect or insincere
Etymology
'backhandedly' originates from English, specifically formed from the adjective 'backhanded' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly', where the suffix '-ly' meant 'in the manner of'.
'backhanded' developed from 'backhand' (a compound of 'back' + 'hand') in English; 'backhand' originally referred to a stroke made with the back of the hand or the reverse side of a racket, and adding '-ed' produced 'backhanded' (adjective). 'backhanded' later took the adverbial suffix '-ly' to form 'backhandedly'.
Initially, related to a physical 'backhand' stroke (literal sense); over time it gained a figurative sense meaning 'indirect or slyly insulting', and 'backhandedly' now commonly means 'in an indirect or insincere way' as well as the literal sense.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner that is indirect, insincere, or disguisedly insulting — using a compliment or remark that actually conveys criticism or sarcasm.
She backhandedly praised his presentation, saying it was 'surprisingly thorough for someone so inexperienced.'
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/26 07:39