roundly
roundly Lexical Profile
roundly Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
In a thorough, complete, or emphatic manner; decisively (especially with reference to criticism, opposition, or defeat).
"The controversial tax proposal was roundly condemned by economists from across the political spectrum."
In a blunt, plain, or outspoken manner, without hesitation or evasion.
"She told the committee roundly that their timeline for the project was completely unrealistic."
In a circular, spherical, or curved form or manner.
"The artisan shaped the clay until its edges curved roundly toward the base."
Word Nuance & Usage
In modern usage, "roundly" rarely refers to physical shape; instead, it functions almost exclusively as an intensifier collocating with verbs of criticism, rejection, or defeat (e.g., "roundly criticized," "roundly condemned," "roundly defeated").
• Rhymes for roundly
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English (14th century) from the adjective "round" (borrowed from Old French "ront," from Latin "rotundus") and the adverbial suffix "-ly." Its metaphorical sense of "thoroughly" or "unsparingly" developed from the notion of a circle being complete and without gaps or reservations.