We would put the word “axiomatic” in that never-never-land of embarrassment where you have heard the word, know it is real, and probably do not know the exact meaning. It is a word often used in conversation, and not understanding the meaning, people just nod in agreement. If you want to look well read and intelligent this is one to add to your vocabulary.
Starting with the root word, axiom, we can think back to proof of something, anything that has been proven beyond a doubt. For example, 2+2=4, or the square root of 4=2. Something is axiomatic if it is self-evident or so obvious that it is taken for truth. If an axiom is a noun, then axiomatic becomes an associated adjective.
Examples of sentence use would include:
- It is axiomatic that most trees are taller than people.
- It is axiomatic that cheetahs can run faster than other animals.
- Events that are repeatable become axiomatic over time, often accepted with no proof.
- Sir Isaac Newton’s “Laws of Gravity” have become axiomatic.
So, there you have it. Just drop axiomatic in a sentence with your friends and you will immediately go up the intelligence scale in their minds.
“Thusly” is a word, or not a word depending on your perspective. The word “thus” is an adverb and does not need the “ly” on the end to serve the same purpose. The only reason to use thusly instead of thus is in a few cases to a writer or speaker it just sounds or feels better. But “thusly” is more of an American colloquialism or slang than correct English.
You can see the superfluous nature of the word if you construct a sentence with and without it.
“Thusly, the new cars from Tesla were widely accepted in Georgia.” is no better than “Thus, the new cars from Tesla were widely accepted in Georgia.”
“Georgia thusly became the first team to win a BCS National Championship in football this decade.” is no better than “Georgia thus became the first team to win a BCS National Championship in football this decade.”
When you hear someone on the news use “thusly” you can cringe a little for them and just accept that they are not on our reading list. It should be axiomatic to everyone that “thus” is preferable to “thusly.”
