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Distressingly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ข
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distressingly

[dษชหˆstrษ›sษชล‹li ]

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'distressingly'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The adverb 'distressingly' is derived from the verb 'distress', which comes from the Old French word 'destresse', meaning 'hardship, distress, danger'. The word has been used in English since the late 14th century, originally referring to physical discomfort or pain. Over time, the meaning has evolved to also include emotional suffering or worry.

See also: distress, distressed, distressing.

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.