'formatively' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'formare', where 'forma' meant 'shape' and the suffix '-ive' (from Latin '-ivus') indicated 'tending to', with English '-ly' forming the adverb.

'formatively' changed from Latin 'formare' (to form) into Neo-Latin/Latin adjective 'formativus', became the English adjective 'formative', and then the adverb 'formatively' formed by adding '-ly'.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to forming' or 'having the power to form', but over time it evolved into 'in a way that influences development or shaping'.