Awkwardly - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Awkwardly means in a clumsy, uncomfortable, or ungraceful manner. It describes actions performed with difficulty or embarrassment, often causing unease for the person doing them or others observing.
Definition:
In a clumsy or uncomfortable manner, lacking grace or ease.
Synonyms:
clumsily, ineptly, ungainly, uncomfortably
Part of Speech:
adverb
Antonyms:
gracefully, smoothly, elegantly
Common Collocations:
move awkwardly, stand awkwardly, laugh awkwardly
Derivatives:
awkwardness, awkward
Usage Tips:
Use "awkwardly" to describe actions done with discomfort or lack of coordination.
Common Phrases:
awkwardly silent, feel awkwardly out of place, laugh awkwardly
Etymology:
Derived from "awkward," meaning "in the wrong direction," from Old Norse "afugr" (turned backward).
Examples:
- 1. She tripped awkwardly over the rug.
- 2. He laughed awkwardly at the joke he didn’t understand.
- 3. They stood awkwardly in the crowded elevator.
- 4. She held the violin bow awkwardly at first.