cathartically
1
8.3
- adverb
- /kəˈθɑːrtɪkli/
- Although his mother's words chronologically precede Lane's year of recovery, Lane's choice to relate this narrative of dying and his mother's final words at the end of the memoir allows the reader to cathartically share in their sense of limited consolation.
Examples
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During the therapy session, she was able to cathartically release her pent-up emotions and feel a sense of relief.
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Women were able to cathartically express their worries and concerns in these baths and closely bond.
Academic text (2008) -
"...we'll somehow cathartically dispel all that heinous shit."
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Cathartically, laughter helps him to bear his professional setbacks, just as it redeems Sadie, who never laughs until she meets Iceman Jones.
Academic text (1998) -
He wrote in his journal cathartically, allowing him to express his feelings about the stressful events of the week.
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Many people find that speaking about their struggles cathartically helps them process their feelings and move forward.
How Healing
1
8.3
2
3.3
Surface Forms
Morphology
cathartically = cathartic (transparent) = cathart + ic + ally
The adverb is predictably formed from the adjective 'cathartic' by adding '-ally', and the emotional-release sense is the common modern meaning.
Etymology
Cathartically comes from the Greek word katharsis, which means 'cleansing'. So when someone laughs or cries cathartically, it is like 'cleaning out' strong feelings and brings relief.