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Agonizingly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ฃ
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agonizingly

[หŒaษกษ™หˆnสŒษชzษชล‹li ]

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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'agonizingly'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'agonizingly' is derived from the verb 'agonize', which comes from the Greek word 'agonizesthai', meaning 'to struggle'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. Over time, 'agonizingly' has come to be commonly used to describe situations or experiences that involve intense suffering or distress.

See also: agonizing.

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.