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Definition of posthumously

posthumously

/ˈpɑːs.tʃə.məs.li/
post · hu · mous · ly
Adjective:posthumous
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posthumously Lexical Profile

posthumously Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

After the death of the originator, creator, or recipient (especially in reference to published works, honors, or awards).

Example

"The novelist's final manuscript was edited by her daughter and published posthumously to widespread critical acclaim."

2

After the death of the father (in reference to the birth of a child).

Example

"King Alfonso XIII of Spain was born posthumously in May 1886, several months after the passing of his father."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for posthumously

• Nearby Words

postholiday
postholocaust
posthumous
posthumously
postie
posting
postlaunch

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'posthumous' plus '-ly'. 'Posthumous' comes from Latin 'postumus', meaning 'last' or 'last-born' (superlative of 'posterus', 'coming after'), which was later altered to 'posthumus' by folk etymology associating it with 'humare' ('to bury') and 'humus' ('earth').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Posthumously. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/posthumously
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