unforgivingly
|un-for-giv-ing-ly|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌʌnfərˈɡɪvɪŋli/
🇬🇧
/ˌʌnfəˈɡɪvɪŋli/
(unforgiving)
harshly, without mercy
Etymology
Etymology Information
'unforgivingly' originates from the English word 'unforgiving', with the suffix '-ly' added to form an adverb.
Historical Evolution
'unforgiving' changed from the Old English word 'forgiefan', meaning 'to give, grant, allow', with the prefix 'un-' indicating negation, eventually forming 'unforgivingly'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, 'unforgiving' meant 'not willing to forgive', and 'unforgivingly' evolved to mean 'in a harsh or unyielding manner'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner that is harsh or unyielding, showing no mercy or leniency.
The teacher unforgivingly criticized the student's work.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42