missionarily
|mis-sion-ar-i-ly|
🇺🇸
/ˌmɪʃəˈnɛrəli/
🇬🇧
/ˌmɪʃ(ə)ˈnɛrəli/
(missionary)
religious envoy
Etymology
'missionarily' originates from English, specifically the adjective/noun 'missionary' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'missionary' ultimately derives from Latin 'missionarius' (from 'missio' meaning 'a sending', from 'mittere' meaning 'to send').
'missionarily' was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix '-ly' to 'missionary' (Middle English 'messionarie' / 'missionary' from Late Latin 'missionarius'). 'missionarius' comes from Latin 'missio' (a sending), which itself comes from 'mittere' (to send).
Initially related to 'sending' or being 'sent' (i.e., a person sent on a mission); over time the term specified those sent to spread religious faith, and 'missionarily' evolved to mean 'in the manner or spirit of such missionary activity.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a missionary manner; with the purpose, zeal, or methods of a missionary (especially in promoting a religion or belief, or attempting to convert others).
They worked missionarily in remote villages, teaching and trying to convert the residents.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/16 14:28