poisonously
|poi-son-ous-ly|
/ˈpɔɪzən/
(poisonous)
toxic quality
Etymology
'poison' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'potio', where 'potio' meant 'a drink, potion'.
'poison' passed into Old French as 'poison' (meaning a drink or potion) and then into Middle English as 'poison'; the adjective 'poisonous' was formed by adding the suffix '-ous' and the adverb 'poisonously' by adding '-ly'.
Initially it meant 'a drink or potion' (not necessarily harmful), but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a harmful or deadly substance'; 'poisonously' now means 'in a poisonous or harmful manner'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner that contains or emits poison; in a toxic or physically harmful way.
The chemical leaked poisonously into the river, killing fish downstream.
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Adverb 2
figuratively: in a malicious, spiteful, or harmful manner (as if with poison).
She spoke poisonously about her colleague, trying to ruin his reputation.
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Last updated: 2025/10/25 15:16