'respectably' originates from the Latin word 'respectabilis', where 'respectare' meant 'to look back at' or 'to regard'.

'respectabilis' transformed into the Old French word 'respectable', and eventually became the modern English word 'respectable', with 'respectably' as its adverbial form.

Initially, it meant 'worthy of respect', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'in a socially acceptable manner'.