Definition of grotesquely

The word "grotesquely" has its origins in the Italian word "grottesco," which refers to the garden grottos or caves found in Roman villas. These grottos were often decorated with bizarre and fantastical sculptures and ornamentation, which was considered unconventional and unusual. The term "grottesque" was later adopted into English, and it initially referred to the strange and unrealistic depictions found in those grottos. Over time, the word took on a broader meaning, encompassing anything that was strange, absurd, or unsettling. In the 16th century, the word "grotesquely" emerged as an adverb, meaning "in a grotesque or absurd manner." Today, the word is used to describe something that is bizarre, outlandish, or unsettling, often in a humorous or ironic way. Despite its origins in something as elegant as a Roman grotto, the word "grotesquely" is often used to describe something that is completely unglamorous or unexpected.