Where does “busily” come from?
Busily derives from Middle English busily, from Middle English bisy, from Old English -līċ, from Proto-Germanic -līkaz and līką, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European līg-.
busily (English): In a busy manner; actively
Definitions
- In a busy manner; actively
Ancestry of “busily”, step by step
busily traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.
via English busy
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | busy | Crowded with business or activities; having a... |
| 2 | Middle English | bisy | Engaged in activity; preoccupied; Having a strong... |
| 3 | Old English | bisiġ | busy, occupied, diligent |
| 4 | Proto-West Germanic | bisīg | zealous; diligent; busy; eident |
via Middle English busily
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middle English | busily | — |