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.