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Distressingly: meaning, definitions and examples

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distressingly

 

[dɪˈstrɛsɪŋli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a distressing manner

In a manner that causes worry, anxiety, or suffering.

Synonyms

anxiously, painfully, worryingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
distressingly

This word is used to describe something that causes extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain, often highlighting how upsetting or troubling a situation is.

  • Distressingly, the economic crisis has led to widespread unemployment.
  • Distressingly large numbers of patients are waiting for treatment.
worryingly

This word is used to highlight that a situation or fact is causing concern or making someone feel anxious.

  • Worryingly, the disease is spreading faster than expected.
  • Worryingly, he hasn't been seen for days.
anxiously

This word describes a situation or feeling where someone is very concerned or worried about something, often anticipating something negative or uncertain.

  • She waited anxiously for the test results.
  • He looked anxiously at his watch, afraid he might be late.
painfully

This word describes something that causes emotional or physical pain, emphasizing the intensity of the discomfort or suffering.

  • Her decision to leave was painfully difficult.
  • He is painfully aware of his own shortcomings.

Examples of usage

  • She looked at him distressingly, hoping for some sign of reassurance.
  • The news was distressingly bleak, leaving everyone feeling hopeless.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'distress' comes from the Latin 'distractio', which means 'to draw apart' or 'to separate'.
  • In the 14th century, it was used in English to describe physical suffering as well as emotional pain.

Psychology

  • Experiencing distressing situations can lead to various mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used to help individuals reframe distressing thoughts and manage their emotional responses.

Literature

  • Authors often use distressing themes to highlight characters' struggles, like in works by authors such as Charles Dickens or Virginia Woolf.
  • The emotional responses to distressing events are a common subject in literature, exploring human resilience and vulnerability.

Pop Culture

  • Many films and books explore distressing social issues, such as mental health, poverty, and injustice, to provoke thought and empathy.
  • Songs in various genres often express feelings of distress, helping listeners relate to difficult emotional experiences.

Science

  • Research shows that prolonged exposure to distressing events can affect brain chemistry and lead to lasting changes in mood and behavior.
  • Studies suggest that animals can also experience distressing situations, indicating the widespread nature of this emotional response across species.

Translations

Translations of the word "distressingly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 angustiantemente

🇮🇳 उद्विग्न रूप से

🇩🇪 beunruhigend

🇮🇩 dengan menyedihkan

🇺🇦 тривожно

🇵🇱 niepokojąco

🇯🇵 不安にさせるほど

🇫🇷 de manière inquiétante

🇪🇸 angustiosamente

🇹🇷 endişe verici şekilde

🇰🇷 불안하게

🇸🇦 بشكل مقلق

🇨🇿 znepokojujícím způsobem

🇸🇰 znepokojujúco

🇨🇳 令人不安地

🇸🇮 zaskrbljujoče

🇮🇸 áhyggjuefni

🇰🇿 мазасыздандыратын түрде

🇬🇪 აღელვებით

🇦🇿 narahat edici şəkildə

🇲🇽 angustiosamente

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,969 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.