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Hauntingly: meaning, definitions and examples

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hauntingly

 

[ ˈhɔːntɪŋli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

mood, atmosphere

Hauntingly refers to a manner that evokes strong feelings or memories, often of a melancholy or eerie nature. It is used to describe something that lingers in the mind and heart, whether it be a melody, a memory, or a place. The term carries a weight of emotional resonance, suggesting an experience that is not easily forgotten. It is often utilized in artistic expressions, such as music and literature, to capture an essence that feels both beautiful and sorrowful.

Synonyms

eerily, mournfully, poignantly, sorrowfully

Examples of usage

  • The song was hauntingly beautiful.
  • She spoke hauntingly about her past.
  • The landscape was hauntingly empty.
  • The film's score played hauntingly in the background.

Translations

Translations of the word "hauntingly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 assustadoramente

🇮🇳 भूतिया तरीके से

🇩🇪 gespenstisch

🇮🇩 menyeramkan

🇺🇦 примарно

🇵🇱 strasznie

🇯🇵 不気味に

🇫🇷 d'une manière hantée

🇪🇸 de manera inquietante

🇹🇷 ruh gibi

🇰🇷 유령처럼

🇸🇦 بطريقة مروعة

🇨🇿 strašidelně

🇸🇰 strašidelne

🇨🇳 鬼魅般地

🇸🇮 strašno

🇮🇸 draugurlega

🇰🇿 зұлымдықпен

🇬🇪 საშინლად

🇦🇿 dəhşətli şəkildə

🇲🇽 de manera inquietante

Etymology

The word 'hauntingly' derives from the verb 'haunt', which has roots in Middle English 'haunten' and Old French 'hanter', meaning to frequent or visit often. The current use of 'haunting' began to take shape in the late 14th century, implying an idea of a place or memory that returns to one’s mind persistently, similar to how a ghost might linger in a space. Over time, the adverbial form 'hauntingly' emerged to describe actions or qualities that possess the evocative power associated with haunting experiences. Historically, the term has been strongly linked to literature and the arts, where it connotes deep emotional undercurrents.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,715 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.