Datedly Meaning: Definition and Examples

Cultural References

• Fashion trends from the 80s and 90s are often described as 'dated' when they resurface, reflecting changes in style and societal norms.
• Movies or music that were once popular can now seem 'datedly' if they exhibit themes or styles that no longer resonate with modern audiences.
• Language itself evolves; certain phrases or slang can become datedly outdated as new generations introduce their own terms.

Psychology

• People often perceive dated trends as nostalgic, evoking feelings of comfort or warmth despite being out of style.
• The 'mere exposure effect' explains why some individuals might still find dated styles appealing due to familiarity.
• When evaluating outdated ideas, cognitive dissonance may occur, as one's current beliefs clash with past perceptions.

Literature

• Works from earlier centuries often use dated language, highlighting the evolution of English over time.
• Authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens can feel datedly relevant, as their themes still resonate, yet their style and context may seem old-fashioned.
• In literary analysis, understanding dated language helps readers appreciate historical contexts and societal norms of the period.

Technology

• The digital age rapidly renders technologies dated, such as floppy disks or early cell phones, which now represent a bygone era.
• Web design trends can appear datedly within just a few years due to the swift shifts in aesthetics and functionalities.
• Social media platforms also become dated as new ones emerge, causing past networks to feel obsolete.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'datedly' combines 'date,' meaning 'time or period,' and 'ly,' which turns adjectives into adverbs.
• It emerged in the English language around the late 19th century to describe things that feel outdated.
• Related words include 'dated,' which conveys similar implications of being old-fashioned.

The word 'datedly' is derived from the adjective 'dated', which originates from the verb 'date'. The verb 'date' itself comes from the Latin word 'data', which means 'given' or 'appointed'. Over time, 'date' evolved in English to refer to a specific point in time, and from there it took on connotations of being marked or labeled with a specific time. The suffix '-ly' is commonly added to adjectives to form adverbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. As a result, 'datedly' emerged as a term that signifies an action performed in an outdated manner or reflecting old timings. Over the years, the usage of 'datedly' has been more niche compared to its root forms, but it serves a specific purpose in describing styles, opinions, or things that are no longer contemporary.