The ever-present “-ly” suffix that makes nouns and adjectives into adverbs comes from the Old English (and earlier) suffix “lic” (pronounced leek), which meant “like” (as in “similar to”).
Someone who is “friend-like” is friendly. Something that is done “proper-like” is done properly.
Fascinating. I wonder if the transition from foolish ignorance to agreeable friendliness had anything to do with increased civility of society, shifting from seeing the nice as targets to appreciating the kindness from their fellow man.
I like the etymology of the word ‘nice.’
https://www.etymonline.com/word/nice
The ever-present “-ly” suffix that makes nouns and adjectives into adverbs comes from the Old English (and earlier) suffix “lic” (pronounced leek), which meant “like” (as in “similar to”).
Someone who is “friend-like” is friendly. Something that is done “proper-like” is done properly.
Fascinating. I wonder if the transition from foolish ignorance to agreeable friendliness had anything to do with increased civility of society, shifting from seeing the nice as targets to appreciating the kindness from their fellow man.