Awfully: meaning, definitions and examples

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awfully

[ ˈɔː.fʊl.i ]

^{Context #1}

in a negative or unpleasant way

Used to emphasize the negative quality of something. In a terrible or unpleasant manner.

Synonyms

dreadfully, horribly, terribly

Examples of usage

He behaved awfully towards her at the party.
She felt awfully lonely after her best friend moved away.
The weather was awfully cold for May.

^{Context #2}

very bad or unpleasant

Extremely bad or unpleasant. Of a very poor standard or quality.

Synonyms

dreadful, horrible, terrible

Examples of usage

The food at that restaurant was awfully salty.
She was in an awfully difficult situation.

Translations

Translations of the word "awfully" in other languages:

🇵🇹 terrivelmente

🇮🇳 भयानक रूप से

🇩🇪 schrecklich

🇮🇩 sangat

🇺🇦 жахливо

🇵🇱 strasznie

🇯🇵 ひどく

🇫🇷 terriblement

🇪🇸 terriblemente

🇹🇷 korkunç

🇰🇷 끔찍하게

🇸🇦 بشدة

🇨🇿 strašně

🇸🇰 strašne

🇨🇳 非常

🇸🇮 grozno

🇮🇸 hræðilega

🇰🇿 қорқынышты

🇬🇪 საშინლად

🇦🇿 dəhşətli

🇲🇽 terriblemente

Word origin

The word 'awfully' originated from the Middle English word 'awful' which meant 'full of awe' or 'inspiring awe'. Over time, the meaning shifted to convey a sense of extreme negativity or unpleasantness. The adverbial form 'awfully' came into use to intensify the negative quality of something. It has been used in English language to emphasize the severity of a situation or the intensity of a feeling.