summarily

[suh-mair-uh-lee, suhm-er-uh-]

adverb

1. in a prompt or direct manner; immediately; straightaway.

2. without notice; precipitately.

   to be dismissed summarily from one's job.

Word History and Origins

Origin of summarily¹

First recorded in 1520–30; summary + -ly

Example Sentences

In the private marketplace of ideas, he argued, an employee can be summarily fired if the boss doesn’t like it.

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Last week, Human Rights Watch said jihadist groups had increased attacks in the country since March, summarily killing over 127 villagers and Muslim worshippers.

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San Bernardino County officials summarily rejected the claims.

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After WWII, many of those women were summarily fired to make way for returning men.

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Speaking to legislators on Tuesday, South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back summarily dismissed the suggestion, hinting that it may have been a negotiating tactic.

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Related Words

• arbitrarily 
• forthwith 
• promptly 
• swiftly