Devastatingly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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devastatingly
[หdevษหsteษชtษชลli ]
Definition
adverb describing an action
In a highly destructive or damaging manner; causing great emotional or physical harm.
Synonyms
destructively, harmfully, painfully, tragically.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| devastatingly |
Used to describe an event or action that causes extreme damage or destruction, often with a sense of shock and overwhelming impact.
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| destructively |
Appropriate when describing actions or processes that cause significant damage or destruction, usually in a physical sense.
|
| harmfully |
Used when discussing actions or substances that cause harm or injury, often with a sense of unintentional damage.
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| painfully |
Used to describe experiences or actions that cause physical or emotional pain, often discomforting or difficult to endure.
|
| tragically |
Ideal for describing events or circumstances that result in great loss, sadness, or despair, typically involving death or severe misfortune.
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Examples of usage
- She looked at him devastatingly, her eyes filled with pain.
- The hurricane hit the coast devastatingly, leaving a trail of destruction behind.
- The news of the accident affected her devastatingly, leading to sleepless nights and anxiety.
- The loss of her loved one hit her devastatingly, leaving a void in her heart.
- He spoke devastatingly about the impact of climate change on the environment.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Experiencing events described as devastating can lead to trauma, affecting mental health.
- Research shows that environments perceived as devastating significantly impact individuals' resilience.
- Emotional responses to devastating news often include shock, grief, and profound sadness.
Literature
- Frequently used in novels and poetry to express the intensity of loss or disaster.
- Authors often employ the word in climactic moments to magnify the emotional impact on characters.
- Classic works, such as Shakespeareโs tragedies, showcase devastating events impacting the narrative and characters deeply.
Pop Culture
- The word is often used in film reviews to describe heart-wrenching plot twists or character deaths.
- Songs across genres use the term to convey themes of heartbreak and loss.
- Popular media frequently depicts devastating events to evoke strong emotional reactions from audiences.
Current Events
- Used to describe the impact of natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes.
- In discussions about climate change, the term highlights the severe consequences for ecosystems and communities.
- In sociopolitical events, devastating decisions often lead to widespread discontent and social strife.
Origin of 'devastatingly'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the Latin word 'devastare,' meaning 'to lay waste' or 'to destroy completely.'
- The suffix '-ly' transforms the adjective 'devastating' into an adverb, emphasizing the manner of action.
- First recorded in English literature during the late 17th century.
The word 'devastatingly' is derived from the verb 'devastate', which comes from the Latin word 'devastare', meaning 'lay waste'. The adverb 'devastatingly' has been in use since the 18th century, evolving to describe actions or events that cause great destruction or emotional harm. It is often used in contexts where the impact of something is severe and overwhelming.
See also: devastated, devastating, devastation, devastative, devastator.