Definition of the word bleakly

The adverb "bleakly" has its roots in Old English. The adjective "bleak" comes from the Old English word "blac", which meant "to fade" or "to grow pale". This sense of pale or faded was later extended to describe a place as desolate or uncultivated. In Middle English (circa 1100-1500 AD), the related word "bleake" emerged, meaning "pale" or "wan". The adverb "bleakly" is a combination of the adjective "bleak" and the suffix "-ly", which forms an adverb. "Bleakly" likely emerged in the 17th or 18th century, and has been used since then to describe something that is done in a desolate, dismal, or unforgiving manner.