Awkwardly - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a clumsy or uncomfortable manner

Awkwardly is an adverb that describes doing something in a clumsy or uncomfortable manner. It is often used to indicate a lack of grace or ease in movement or behavior.

Synonyms

clumsily, inelegantly, uncomfortably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
awkwardly	Used to describe an action performed in a way that shows a lack of skill or grace, often causing embarrassment. She awkwardly tripped over the rug while entering the room
clumsily	Describes an action done in a heavy-handed or uncoordinated manner, usually resulting in mistakes or accidents. He clumsily knocked over the vase while reaching for his coffee
uncomfortably	Used to describe a state or situation where a person feels uneasy or physically uncomfortable, often causing distress. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair during the long meeting
inelegantly	Describes something done in a way that lacks refinement or grace, often contrasting with what is considered stylish or graceful. She inelegantly shoved her belongings into the suitcase, not caring about the mess

Examples of usage

She tripped over her own feet and fell awkwardly.
He tried to dance, but moved awkwardly to the music.
The conversation ended awkwardly, with an uncomfortable silence.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Social awkwardness often stems from anxiety in social situations, making people feel out of place.
Research shows that people perceive social interactions differently; what feels awkward for one may be comforting for another.
Developmental stages in children highlight that learning to navigate social norms often leads to awkward behaviors during growth.

Pop Culture

The term has become a staple in comedy, often used to describe those amusingly uncomfortable moments in films and TV shows.
In popular media, characters labeled as 'awkward' often gain endearing qualities, making them relatable to audiences.
Memes and social media trends frequently revolve around 'awkward' moments, uniting people through shared experiences.

Literature

Writers often portray 'awkward' characters to explore themes of identity and belonging, reflecting real-life scenarios.
Novels and stories that delve into adolescent life tend to highlight moments of awkwardness as key developmental experiences.
The awkwardness in dialogue can be a literary technique to emphasize a character's struggle with self-expression.

Origin of 'awkwardly'

Main points about word origin

The word traces back to Middle English 'awkward', which meant 'backward or awkward in action'.
Originally, 'awkward' was formed from the Scandinavian language, with roots suggesting 'turned the wrong way'.
It reflects cultural feelings of discomfort in unfamiliar situations, hinting at its historical use in social contexts.

The word 'awkwardly' originated from the Middle English word 'awkward', which meant 'in the wrong direction' or 'backhanded'. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe actions or movements that were not smooth or graceful. The adverb form 'awkwardly' came into use to describe how something is done in an uncomfortable or clumsy manner. It has been in use for centuries to convey a sense of unease or lack of coordination in various situations.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,344, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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16341 steeper
16342 emerald
16343 conceptualization
16344 awkwardly
16345 filial
16346 fanaticism
16347 preposterous
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Awkwardly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations