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Fearsomely: meaning, definitions and examples

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fearsomely

 

[ ˈfɪə.sə.miː.li ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

intensely negative

In a manner that evokes fear or dread. It describes actions or qualities that are frightening or intimidating. The term often implies a sense of aggression or a threatening nature.

Synonyms

dreadfully, formidably, terrifyingly

Examples of usage

  • The stormy clouds gathered fearsomely over the town.
  • He gazed fearsomely at his opponents in the wrestling ring.
  • The fearsomely large monster prowled through the dark forest.
  • Her fearsomely loud voice silenced the entire room.

Etymology

The term 'fearsomely' is derived from the adjective 'fearsome', which is a combination of 'fear' and the suffix '-some', indicating 'characterized by' or 'causing'. The word 'fear' has its origins in the Old English 'fǣr', meaning 'danger' or 'threat', derived from Proto-Germanic '*fōrō', which also relates to the sense of dread or awe. The usage of the suffix '-some' can be traced back to Old English '-sum', which is used to form adjectives denoting a state or quality. The evolution of 'fearsomely' showcases how the English language adapts and expands by combining roots and morphemes to reflect complex ideas such as intimidation and severity in a variety of contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,653, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.