-erweise

Etymology
From the genitive feminine singular adjective ending and the feminine noun. This was originally an adverbial genitive first used in Middle High German. For example,. Adverbs formed this way represent univerbations of genitive absolute adjective-noun phrases.

Usage notes

 * A normal German adverb, which modifies verbs, nouns, adjectives, or (other) adverbs, is identical to the basic form of the respective adjective. Only when an adverb refers to a whole phrase or sentence does it take the ending -erweise. The distinction may be semantic. Compare:
 * (He felt sad as he returned to his homeland.)
 * (It is sad that he returned to his homeland.)