INFAMOUSLY

Etymology

Adverb

infamously (comparative more infamously, superlative most infamously)

In an infamous manner.

Famously, known for being.

Usage notes

Like for the adjective infamous, the use of a term meaning “disgracefully” in a neutral or even positive sense was originally done for its humorous effect but has become so common that it no longer has that effect. Many still consider the use of the term in the new sense to be abuse of language.

Source: Wiktionary


In"fa*mous*ly, adv.

Definition: In an infamous manner or degree; scandalously; disgracefully; shamefully. The sealed fountain of royal bounty which had been infamously monopolized and huckstered. Burke.

INFAMOUS

In"fa*mous, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + famous: cf. L. infamis. See Infamy.]

1. Of very bad report; having a reputation of the worst kind; held in abhorrence; guilty of something that exposes to infamy; base; notoriously vile; detestable; as, an infamous traitor; an infamous perjurer. False errant knight, infamous, and forsworn. Spenser.

2. Causing or producing infamy; deserving detestation; scandalous to the last degree; as, an infamous act; infamous vices; infamous corruption. Macaulay.

3. (Law)

Definition: Branded with infamy by conviction of a crime; as, at common law, an infamous person can not be a witness.

4. Having a bad name as being the place where an odious crime was committed, or as being associated with something detestable; hence, unlucky; perilous; dangerous. "Infamous woods." P. Fletcher. Infamous hills, and sandy perilous wilds. Milton. The piny shade More infamous by cursed Lycaon made. Dryden.

Syn.

– Detestable; odious; scandalous; disgraceful; base; vile; shameful; ignominious.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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