Agonizingly: meaning, definitions and examples

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agonizingly

[ˌaɡəˈnʌɪzɪŋli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

adverb describing an action or process

In a way that involves extreme physical or mental suffering; in a very painful or distressing manner.

Synonyms

distressingly, painfully, torturously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
agonizingly	Used to describe an action that causes extreme physical or mental pain. It is often used to stress how long or intense the suffering is. She waited agonizingly for the news of her loved one's safety. He worked agonizingly through the night on his project.
painfully	Used to describe something that causes physical pain or emotional discomfort. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. He fell and landed painfully on his arm. The meeting dragged on painfully for hours.
distressingly	Used to describe something that causes sorrow, worry, or anxiety. It often suggests emotional pain or discomfort. The report was distressingly full of bad news. She found the movie's ending distressingly sad.
torturously	Used to describe something that is extremely unpleasant and difficult to endure. It usually has a strong negative connotation, implying unbearable suffering. The patient endured torturously long waits for treatment. She found the process of moving house torturously exhausting.

Examples of usage

She watched agonizingly as the car sped out of control.
He waited agonizingly for the test results to come back.
The decision was made agonizingly slowly.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek word 'agon,' meaning 'contest' or 'struggle,' relating to physical or emotional battles.
It emerged in English in the early 19th century, marking a significant point in expressing deep emotional states.

Literature

Many classic novels depict characters who suffer 'agonizingly' to showcase their inner conflicts and moral dilemmas.
Poets often use the term to evoke strong feelings of despair, enhancing the emotional depth of their works.

Psychology

Experiencing emotions described as agonizingly can lead to significant stress and anxiety, impacting mental health.
Therapeutic approaches often focus on processing these feelings to transform pain into personal growth.

Pop Culture

Films often portray characters in agonizingly intense situations, leading to poignant moments that resonate with viewers.
Songs frequently capture feelings of heartbreak and loss, using the term to amplify the emotional impact.

Science

Psychological studies show that prolonged emotional distress can lead to physical symptoms, reflecting the link between mind and body.
In pain research, the term is relevant in discussions about chronic pain and its debilitating effects on quality of life.

Translations

Translations of the word "agonizingly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 agonizantemente

🇮🇳 पीड़ादायक रूप से

🇩🇪 qualvoll

🇮🇩 dengan menyakitkan

🇺🇦 болісно

🇵🇱 agonizująco

🇯🇵 苦しそうに

🇫🇷 de manière atroce

🇪🇸 agonizantemente

🇹🇷 acı verici şekilde

🇰🇷 고통스럽게

🇸🇦 بشكل مؤلم

🇨🇿 mučivě

🇸🇰 mučivo

🇨🇳 痛苦地

🇸🇮 mučno

🇮🇸 kvölum

🇰🇿 азапты түрде

🇬🇪 წამებით

🇦🇿 əzablı şəkildə

🇲🇽 agonizantemente

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,851 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
34848 bulimic
34849 shimmy
34850 mercerized
34851 agonizingly
34852 garnishing
34853 pinafore
34854 gnomic
...