Glacially: meaning, definitions and examples

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glacially

 

[ ˈɡleɪʃəli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

very slowly

The term 'glacially' describes an action or process that occurs extremely slowly, resembling the gradual movement of a glacier. This term is often used in both scientific and metaphorical contexts. For instance, glacially can refer to the pace of climate change, geological processes, or even the speed of human decision-making. When something happens glacially, it implies an extension of time that can feel almost stagnant or imperceptible.

Synonyms

gradually, leisurely, slowly.

Examples of usage

  • The project is progressing glacially.
  • The changes in the landscape occurred glacially over millennia.
  • His response came glacially, indicating his deep thought.

Translations

Translations of the word "glacially" in other languages:

🇵🇹 glacialmente

🇮🇳 ग्लेशियरी

🇩🇪 gletscherhaft

🇮🇩 glacial

🇺🇦 лідово

🇵🇱 lodowato

🇯🇵 氷河的に

🇫🇷 glaciairement

🇪🇸 glacialmente

🇹🇷 buzul gibi

🇰🇷 빙하처럼

🇸🇦 جليديًا

🇨🇿 ledovcově

🇸🇰 ľadovcovo

🇨🇳 冰川地

🇸🇮 ledenik

🇮🇸 jökullega

🇰🇿 мұздықтық

🇬🇪 ყინულის მსგავსად

🇦🇿 buzlu

🇲🇽 glacialmente

Etymology

The word 'glacially' derives from the Latin word 'glacies', meaning ice. This term was influenced by the scientific study of glaciers, which are massive bodies of ice that move very slowly across the land. The adjective 'glacial' has been used since the early 19th century to describe phenomena related to glaciers or the icy environment they create. As glaciers are emblematic of extremely slow movements due to their sheer mass and density, the adverbial form 'glacially' emerged to metaphorically depict any process that unfolds at a similar sluggish pace. Over time, it has been adopted in various contexts beyond geography, including discussions about societal changes, personal behavior, or any situation deemed to evolve at an agonizingly slow rate.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,635, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.