Definition

In a way that causes death or leads to disaster.

Example

The accident fatally injured the driver.

Conversation

Did you hear about the accident on the highway?

Yeah, I heard it was pretty serious.

Some people think it could have been avoided, but fate can be fatally unpredictable.

True, sometimes things just happen that we can't control.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Fatally → It is formed from "fatalis" (from Latin, meaning destined to die or deadly) and the adverbial suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "fatally" means in a manner that leads to death or is deadly.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'deadly' ('fatalis') and how it happens 'in a manner' ('-ly'). This helps you remember that 'fatally' refers to something that leads to death.

Visually Confused Words