Groundlessly: meaning, definitions and examples

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groundlessly

 

[ˈɡraʊndləsli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

without a basis in reason or fact

Groundlessly means without a basis in reason or fact, typically used to describe a statement, accusation, or belief that lacks evidence or justification. It implies that the assertion is made without any supporting proof or logical explanation.

Synonyms

baselessly, unfounded, unjustified, unsupported.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
groundlessly

This adverb is typically used when actions or statements are made without any logical foundation or valid reason; often used in formal contexts.

  • She accused him groundlessly of stealing.
  • He was dismissed from his job groundlessly.
baselessly

Similar to 'groundlessly', it's used to indicate a claim or accusation made without any basis or support. It carries a formal tone.

  • The rumor spread baselessly throughout the office.
  • She baselessly blamed her colleague for the mistake.
unfounded

This is an adjective applied when allegations or fears have no evidence or basis in reality. Can imply that the lack of support is evident.

  • His worries were unfounded and exaggerated.
  • The allegations against the teacher were unfounded.
unjustified

Describes actions or claims that don't have a good or valid reason; can sometimes imply that taking such actions or making such claims is unreasonable or unfair.

  • Their protests were unjustified according to the court’s decision.
  • The criticism he faced was unjustified.
unsupported

Indicates a lack of evidence or backing, often used in both formal and informal contexts. It can imply negligence or oversight.

  • The theory was unsupported by any scientific data.
  • Her fears were unsupported by any real danger.

Examples of usage

  • His claims of conspiracy were groundlessly made without any evidence.
  • She accused him of cheating groundlessly, despite there being no proof.
  • The rumors about their relationship were spread groundlessly throughout the office.
  • The lawsuit was dismissed as groundlessly brought forth without merit.
  • The criticism was groundlessly directed at her, as she had done nothing wrong.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 'Groundless' comes from the Old English 'grund,' meaning 'bottom' or 'foundation,' paired with 'less,' indicating absence.
  • The word reflects the idea of lacking a solid foundation for beliefs or claims.
  • It has been in use since the late 16th century, evolving to encompass a range of ideas surrounding validity.

Law

  • In legal contexts, a claim deemed groundless can lead to dismissed lawsuits or charges when there's no evidence.
  • Accusations made without proper grounds can result in libel or slander if they harm someone's reputation.
  • The principle of being 'grounded' in evidence is a key factor in court rulings and legal arguments.

Psychology

  • Believing groundlessly can lead to what's known as confirmation bias, where individuals only see evidence that supports their unfounded beliefs.
  • People may experience anxiety or stress when they hold unsupported ideas, affecting their mental well-being.
  • Cognitive dissonance occurs when someone's beliefs conflict with reality, pushing them to defend groundless views.

Literature

  • Many characters in classic literature face conflicts due to misunderstandings or groundless accusations, driving plot developments.
  • Authors often challenge societal norms through characters whose actions are deemed groundless by their peers.
  • Poets may use the concept to express the fragility of human belief and the impact of unfounded opinions.

Science

  • Scientific theories must be grounded in empirical evidence; without it, they're often dismissed as unfounded or speculative.
  • Throughout history, many scientific ideas were once considered groundless until proven through experimentation and observation.
  • In the scientific method, formulating a hypothesis without foundation can lead to erroneous conclusions.

Translations

Translations of the word "groundlessly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sem fundamento

🇮🇳 बिना कारण के

🇩🇪 grundlos

🇮🇩 tanpa dasar

🇺🇦 безпідставно

🇵🇱 bezpodstawnie

🇯🇵 根拠なく

🇫🇷 sans fondement

🇪🇸 sin fundamento

🇹🇷 sebepsizce

🇰🇷 근거 없이

🇸🇦 بدون أساس

🇨🇿 bez důvodu

🇸🇰 bez dôvodu

🇨🇳 无根据地

🇸🇮 neutemeljeno

🇮🇸 á grundvelli

🇰🇿 негізсіз

🇬🇪 უმიზეზოდ

🇦🇿 əsassız

🇲🇽 sin fundamento