sublethally

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /sʌbˈliːθəli/

KK: /sʌbˈliːθəli/

adverb

Definition

In a way that does not cause death, but may still have harmful effects.

Example

The chemicals were applied sublethally to test their effects on the environment.

Conversation

Did you know that some chemicals can affect us sublethally?

Really? I had no idea that was possible.

Yeah, it means they can have effects without actually being deadly.

That's kind of scary, but also interesting!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

mildly

partially

slightly

Antonyms

lethally

fatally

mortally

Root Explanation

Sublethally → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under or below) and "lethal" (from Greek "lethalios", meaning deadly). The word "sublethally" means in a manner that is not fully deadly or below the threshold of lethality.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'under' ('sub-') the level of being 'deadly' ('lethal') — that's why sublethally refers to something that is not fully lethal.

Visually Confused Words