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Disturbingly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disturbingly

[dษชหˆstษœหrbษชล‹li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a disturbing manner

In a way that causes anxiety, worry, or emotional discomfort. Something that is disturbingly is unsettling, troubling, or alarming.

Synonyms

alarming, troubling, unsettling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disturbingly

Used when describing something that causes worry or fear because it is very unusual or unpleasant.

  • The room was disturbingly silent after the announcement
  • The data revealed disturbingly high levels of pollution
unsettling

Describes something that makes you feel anxious or uneasy, often because it is unpredictable or unfamiliar.

  • The eerie silence in the forest was unsettling
  • Her sudden change in behavior was quite unsettling
troubling

Used when referring to something that causes concern or unease, but not necessarily fear or shock.

  • The increasing number of dropouts is troubling for educators
  • It was troubling to hear about the layoffs at the company
alarming

Appropriate for situations where something causes a sudden fear or a sense of urgency because it suggests danger or a serious problem.

  • The rise in cyber attacks is alarming
  • The decline in bee populations is alarming for scientists

Examples of usage

  • The news was disturbingly grim.
  • She stared at him disturbingly.
  • The music was disturbingly loud and chaotic.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Repeated exposure to disturbing content can lead to desensitization, making one less affected over time.
  • Feeling disturbed often triggers a fight-or-flight response, provoking strong emotional reactions.
  • Researchers study disturbing experiences to understand fear responses and how they affect human behavior.

Media and Pop Culture

  • Disturbing themes are commonly found in horror films, where suspense and fear create an emotional rollercoaster.
  • The concept often appears in literature, conveying societal fears or personal dilemmas through unsettling experiences.
  • Many musicians use disturbing imagery in lyrics or visuals to provoke thought or highlight darker aspects of life.

Cultural Impacts

  • Different cultures have various tolerances for what is considered disturbing, often reflecting their societal values.
  • Artworks labeled as disturbing may challenge viewers, prompting discussions about morality, ethics, and societyโ€™s norms.
  • Historical events often described as 'disturbing' can lead to societal changes, as they reveal underlying issues.

Philosophical Aspects

  • Philosophers discuss discomfort as a pathway to growth, suggesting that confronting disturbing ideas can lead to greater understanding.
  • Existential philosophy often touches on disturbing concepts about mortality and the absurdity of life, provoking deep reflection.
  • The role of discomfort in shaping ethics is debated, presenting disturbing concepts as catalysts for moral evolution.

Origin of 'disturbingly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'disturbare', which means 'to throw into disorder'.
  • It was introduced to English in the late Middle Ages, gaining its current form in the 16th century.
  • The prefix 'dis-' indicates a reversal, enhancing the meaning of being troubled or upset.

The adverb 'disturbingly' is derived from the verb 'disturb', which comes from the Latin word 'disturbare', meaning 'to agitate'. The suffix '-ly' is added to the adjective 'disturbing' to form the adverb 'disturbingly'. The word has been in use since the late 18th century.

See also: disturb, disturbance, disturbed, disturber, disturbing, undisturbed.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,163, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.