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Devastatingly - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Devastatingly is an adverb that means something is done in a way that causes extreme shock, sadness, or destruction. It often emphasizes the severity of an action or event, such as devastatingly beautiful or devastatingly tragic.

devastatingly

/ˈdɛvəˌsteɪtɪŋli/ /ˈdɛvəˌsteɪtɪŋli/

Definition:

In a way that causes severe shock, distress, or destruction.

Synonyms:

crushingly, overwhelmingly, painfully, tragically

Part of Speech:

adverb

Antonyms:

mildly, gently

Common Collocations:

devastatingly beautiful, devastatingly honest, devastatingly effective

Derivatives:

devastate, devastation, devastated

Usage Tips:

Use to emphasize extreme emotional or physical impact; often modifies adjectives like "honest" or verbs like "affected."

Common Phrases:

devastatingly true, devastatingly sad, devastatingly powerful

Etymology:

Derived from Latin *devastare* ("to lay waste"), via Old French *devaster*.

Examples:

  • 1. The news was devastatingly sad for everyone involved.
  • 2. Her performance was devastatingly powerful and left the audience in tears.
  • 3. He spoke devastatingly honestly about his struggles.
  • 4. The storm was devastatingly destructive to the small town.

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