devastatingly
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C1
🇺🇸
/ˈdɛvəˌsteɪtɪŋli/
🇬🇧
/ˈdɛvəsteɪtɪŋli/
(devastate)
complete destruction
Etymology
Etymology Information
'devastate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'devastare,' where 'de-' meant 'completely' and 'vastare' meant 'to lay waste.'
Historical Evolution
'devastare' transformed into the French word 'dévaster,' and eventually became the modern English word 'devastate' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to lay waste completely,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a way that causes severe shock, distress, or damage.
The hurricane hit the coast devastatingly, leaving many homeless.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/22 11:43