Lethally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
lethally
[หleฮธษli ]
Definitions
used in a medical or scientific context
In a way that is capable of causing death; in a manner that can result in fatal consequences.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lethally |
This adverb is used to describe actions or substances that can cause death.
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| fatally |
Used to describe situations or injuries that result in death.
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| deadly |
Commonly used in everyday language to describe something that can cause death or is extremely dangerous.
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| mortally |
Typically used to describe injuries or conditions that are so severe they lead to death.
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Examples of usage
- Exposure to this chemical can affect you lethally.
- The venom of this snake can act lethally within minutes.
used in a more general context
In an extremely harmful or damaging manner.
Synonyms
catastrophically, devastatingly, disastrously.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lethally |
Used when referring to something that causes death or is capable of causing death. It is often used in medical, scientific, or dramatic contexts where the fatal nature is emphasized.
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| disastrously |
Describes something that results in disaster, emphasizing poor outcome or failure. It often carries a negative connotation and suggests that events didn't just fail but failed in a spectacularly bad way.
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| catastrophically |
Appropriate for situations involving sudden and widespread disaster, which often has a sense of being unexpected and overwhelming. Typically used in contexts related to natural disasters, large-scale accidents, or severe failures.
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| devastatingly |
Used to describe something that causes severe damage, ruin, or emotional pain. This word is versatile and can be applied to both physical destruction and profound emotional or social impacts.
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Examples of usage
- The cybersecurity breach affected the company lethally.
- The economic crisis hit the country's economy lethally.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Law & Ethics
- In legal contexts, the term 'lethally' can describe the degree of harm caused by actions or substances.
- The ethics of using 'lethal force' in self-defense cases often sparks debate about when it is justified.
- Certain jurisdictions categorize specific weapons as 'lethally' dangerous due to their potential for fatal outcomes.
Medicine
- In medicine, 'lethally' is used to refer to substances or conditions that can be fatal, such as certain doses of poison.
- Lethal injection is a method of capital punishment that is designed to be humanely lethal.
- Understanding the lethality of drugs is crucial for medical professionals when prescribing treatments.
Pop Culture
- Many action movies feature 'lethal' characters, highlighting their skills in causing danger or destruction.
- The phrase 'lethal injection' has been prominently used in discussions around the death penalty in films and media.
- In video games, characters or weapons that lethally defeat opponents are often highlighted as key elements of gameplay.
Environment
- Certain animals can be lethally poisonous, like the box jellyfish and the poison dart frog.
- Chemicals can also be lethally harmful to the ecosystem, affecting wildlife and plant life.
- Natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions and tsunamis, are labeled as lethally dangerous to those in their path.
Origin of 'lethally'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from 'lethal,' which is derived from the Latin 'letalis,' meaning deadly.
- The term has been used in English since the late 15th century.
- Related words include 'lethargic' and 'lethe,' the latter being associated with forgetfulness in Greek mythology.
The word 'lethally' is derived from the adjective 'lethal', which comes from the Latin 'letalis', meaning 'pertaining to death'. The concept of lethality has been present throughout history, especially in the context of warfare, toxic substances, and dangerous situations. Understanding the lethality of certain substances or actions has been crucial for human survival and safety.
See also: lethality.