Definition of forlornly

The word "forlornly" has its roots in Old English. It is derived from the words "forlorn," meaning "abandoned" or "deserted," and the suffix "-ly," which forms an adverb. The word "forlorn" itself comes from the Old English words "for" (meaning "away" or "from") and "lorn" (meaning "lost" or "desolate"). In Middle English (circa 1100-1500), "forlorn" was used to describe something that was abandoned, deserted, or forsaken. The adverbial form "forlornly" was likely added in the 14th or 15th century, allowing speakers to describe actions or conditions in a way that conveyed a sense of abandonment or desolation. Today, "forlornly" is often used to describe something done in a helpless or hopeless manner, as in "she waited forlornly for her lover to return."