Avertedly: meaning, definitions and examples
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avertedly
[əˈvɜːrtədli ]
Definition
Context #1 | Adverb
unintentionally context
Avertedly means in a manner that avoids or prevents something from happening. It's a form of action where the intention is to avert an outcome, often something negative, without direct acknowledgment of the avoidance itself.
Synonyms
accidentally, inadvertently, unintentionally.
Examples of usage
- She avertedly looked away when the argument began.
- He avertedly changed the topic to avoid conflict.
- The child avertedly moved his toys to escape the mess.
- They avertedly stepped back to avoid getting wet.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'avert' comes from the Latin 'avertĕre', which means 'to turn away'.
- The suffix '-edly' is used to form adverbs, indicating how an action is done.
- First known use of the term in English dates back to the early 19th century.
Psychology
- People often avert their eyes when faced with uncomfortable truths, a behavior stemming from a natural defense mechanism.
- Averting can be linked to anxiety, where individuals turn away to cope with stressors or fears.
- Research suggests that avoiding eye contact can signal discomfort or a desire to disengage from a situation.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect or shyness, especially in hierarchical situations.
- Films often use visual avertedness to show character feelings, highlighting internal conflict through body language.
- In literature, averted gazes can symbolize secrets or hidden emotions, enriching character development.
Literature
- Averting one’s gaze is a common literary device to build tension or depict a character’s struggle.
- Authors like Virginia Woolf often explore themes of avoidance and denial, using characters who avert from reality.
- Classic poetry frequently employs averted imagery to evoke feelings of longing or sadness.
Film & Media
- Movies often depict averted gazes during intimate or traumatic scenes, enhancing emotional resonance.
- Directors use camera angles to portray the concept of averted looks, influencing audience perception.
- A common trope in horror films involves characters who avert their attention from danger, amplifying suspense.