binarily
|bi-na-ri-ly|
/ˈbaɪnərəli/
(binary)
twofold
Etymology
'binarily' originates from English, specifically formed from the adjective 'binary' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'; 'binary' ultimately traces to Latin 'binarius', where the root 'bini' meant 'two each'.
'binarily' developed in English by adding the productive adverbial suffix '-ly' to 'binary'. 'Binary' itself came into English via Medieval Latin 'binarius' (from Latin 'bini') and influenced by Old French forms before settling in modern English.
Initially related to the basic sense 'consisting of two, twofold', the usage expanded to mean both 'in terms of two parts/states' and more specifically 'in terms of binary (base-2) systems' in computing; the core idea of 'two-ness' has been retained.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a binary manner; in terms of two alternatives, components, or states (often implying an either/or division).
The algorithm treats each value binarily, as either true or false.
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Adverb 2
using or relating to the binary numeral/system (base-2) — in terms of bits, 0 and 1.
Data are stored binarily on the device, encoded as sequences of bits.
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Adverb 3
in a simplistic or reductionist either-or way of thinking or presenting something (binary thinking).
She described the debate binarily, overlooking the complex middle ground.
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Last updated: 2025/11/25 08:37