Langimage
English

ruinously

|ru/in/ous/ly|

C1

/ˈruːɪnəsli/

(ruinous)

destructive or costly

Base FormNounAdverb
ruinousruinousnessruinously
Etymology
Etymology Information

'ruinous' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ruinosus,' where 'ruina' meant 'collapse or downfall.'

Historical Evolution

'ruinosus' transformed into the Old French word 'ruinos,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ruinous' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'prone to collapse or destruction,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'causing ruin or destruction.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a way that causes or is likely to cause ruin or destruction.

The company expanded ruinously, leading to its eventual bankruptcy.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/22 11:34