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Gracelessly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gracelessly

[หˆษกreษชs.lษ™s.li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

manner of movement

Gracelessly describes an action performed in a clumsy, awkward, or unrefined manner. It suggests a lack of elegance or gracefulness in the way something is done. This term can be used to depict physical movements, such as tripping or stumbling, or can refer to social interactions that lack finesse. It is often used pejoratively to emphasize a deficiency in poise or skill.

Synonyms

awkwardly, clumsily, inelegantly, ungainly.

Examples of usage

  • He gracelessly stumbled over his own feet.
  • She gracelessly attempted to dance but looked awkward instead.
  • The child gracelessly reached for the cookie jar and knocked it over.
  • He gracelessly tried to make a joke at the party.

Translations

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

Origin of 'gracelessly'

The word 'gracelessly' derives from 'graceless,' which itself comes from the Old French 'gracieux' meaning 'graceful,' combined with the suffix '-less' to denote absence. The element '-ly' transforms the adjective into an adverb. The term 'grace' originates from the Latin 'gratia,' meaning 'favor' or 'kindness,' and historically was associated with elegance, beauty, and divine favor. As the English language evolved, 'graceless' emerged to describe a lack of those qualities, and the adverb form 'gracelessly' followed, expanding its use to describe actions devoid of grace or refinement. This progression highlights the flexibility of English in adapting words to convey nuanced meanings over time, with 'gracelessly' reflecting an aesthetic critique of movement and behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,961, 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.