Heartbreakingly: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word to describe an event or situation that is especially emotional and distressing, often evoking deep sadness and sympathy.

• The news of the orphaned children was heartbreakingly sad.
• She spoke heartbreakingly about her late husband.

Use 'sadly' for a more general expression of sadness. It is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from mild disappointment to deeper sorrow.

• Sadly, the concert was cancelled due to rain.
• He looked sadly at the photograph of his childhood home.

Use 'tragically' to describe situations that end in extreme misfortune or fatal outcomes. It often implies a sense of unavoidable fate or disaster.

• The plane crash tragically claimed the lives of everyone on board.
• He tragically lost his life trying to save others.

Use 'sorrowfully' to express a deep and profound sense of grief or regret. It often implies a more intense feeling than 'sadly'.

• She sorrowfully recounted the last moments of her mother’s life.
• He gazed sorrowfully at the empty chair, missing his old friend.

Used to describe something that causes intense emotional pain and sadness. Often used when talking about very tragic or poignant situations.

• She heartbreakingly watched as her childhood home was destroyed.
• It is heartbreakingly clear that he still loves her despite everything.

Used to express a feeling of deep sadness and regret. It is typically more reflective and less intense than 'heartbreakingly'.

• He spoke sorrowfully about the mistakes he had made.
• She looked at him sorrowfully, knowing she had to say goodbye.

Used when someone acts or speaks in a manner that expresses grief, sorrow, or regret. Often associated with the mourning process or a sense of loss.

• He looked mournfully at the photograph of his late wife.
• The dog whined mournfully by the empty food bowl.

Used to describe something that causes physical or emotional pain. It can be applied to a wide range of situations, from physical injury to emotional distress.

• She painfully twisted her ankle while running.
• The truth about his betrayal was painfully clear.