awkwardly — in an embarrassing or uncomfortable way; lacking grace or skill
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: in an embarrassing or uncomfortable way; lacking grace or skill
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɔːkwərdli/
Example Sentences
- She awkwardly waved at her ex-boyfriend across the restaurant.
- The robot moved awkwardly down the stairs.
- He awkwardly pretended not to see his teacher at the movie theater.
awkwardly
ADVERB[/ˈɔːkwərdli/]
in an embarrassing or uncomfortable way; lacking grace or skill
in an embarrassing or uncomfortable way; lacking grace or skill
He gestures awkwardly while speaking broadly!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Awkwardly derives from Middle English 'awkward', which originated from the Old Norse element 'awk' meaning 'turned the wrong way' or 'backwards'. The adverbial suffix '-ly' was added to the adjective 'awkward' to form the adverb, following standard English word-formation patterns.
Breakdown
awkward (from Old Norse 'awk' meaning backwards or wrong-directed, + -ward suffix indicating direction) + -ly (adverbial suffix forming adverbs from adjectives, indicating manner or method)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“She awkwardly waved at her ex-boyfriend across the restaurant.”
“The robot moved awkwardly down the stairs.”
“He awkwardly pretended not to see his teacher at the movie theater.”
“The tall boy awkwardly folded himself into the small car.”
📚Related Words
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