hypnotically
|hyp-no-tic-al-ly|
🇺🇸
/hɪpˈnɑːtɪkli/
🇬🇧
/hɪpˈnɒtɪkli/
(hypnotic)
sleep-inducing
Etymology
'hypnotic' originates from Modern Latin and Greek: from Greek 'hypnos' meaning 'sleep' (via Neo-Latin 'hypnoticus'), where 'hypnos' meant 'sleep'.
'hypnotic' entered English in the late 18th century via Neo-Latin 'hypnoticus' and French 'hypnotique', ultimately from Greek 'hypnos'. The adverb 'hypnotically' was formed later by adding the adverbial suffix '-ally' to 'hypnotic'.
Initially related directly to 'sleep' or producing sleep, the word evolved to cover induced trance states and later broadened figuratively to mean 'mesmerizing' or 'spellbinding'; this sense is retained in 'hypnotically'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner that relates to or produces hypnosis; as if inducing sleep or a trance.
The therapist spoke very slowly and hypnotically, guiding the patient into relaxation.
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Adverb 2
figuratively: in a spellbinding or irresistibly attractive way that captures attention.
Her performance moved the audience hypnotically, leaving everyone silent and transfixed.
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Last updated: 2025/10/31 21:57