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Maladroitly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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maladroitly

[ˌmæl.əˈdrɔɪt.li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

manner of action

Maladroitly refers to performing an action in a clumsy or awkward manner. This term is often used to describe someone who lacks skill or dexterity in their movements or actions. It implies a certain level of ineptitude or ungracefulness. The use of maladroitly suggests that the action taken was not only poorly executed but also may have resulted in unfavorable outcomes.

Synonyms

awkwardly, clumsily, gawkily, ineptly.

Examples of usage

  • She maladroitly attempted to balance the stack of books.
  • He spoke maladroitly during the meeting, confusing his colleagues.
  • The waiter maladroitly spilled the drinks on the customers.
  • They maladroitly navigated the complex rules of the game.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Clumsiness can often be linked to developmental coordination disorder in children, affecting their ability to move smoothly.
  • In social situations, maladroit behavior might also stem from anxiety, as nervousness can affect coordination and speech.
  • Studies suggest that people often perceive those who act maladroitly as less competent, affecting their social interactions.

Pop Culture

  • Characters in cartoons often represent maladroit behavior for comedic effect, like clumsy sidekicks in animated films.
  • In literature, maladroit characters can evoke sympathy; for example, George Costanza from 'Seinfeld' often navigates life awkwardly.
  • The term is occasionally used in critiques of politicians or celebrities, labeling their public gaffes as 'maladroit'.

Literature

  • Authors use the term to describe characters who lack social grace, adding depth to their personality traits.
  • In classic literature, a maladroit hero might face challenges that highlight their growth, making them relatable.
  • Writers often contrast maladroit characters with more skilled ones to create tension and humor in their narratives.

Origin of 'maladroitly'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the French word 'maladroit', where 'mal' means bad and 'adroit' means skillful.
  • This word has been used in English since the late 17th century, showing its long history in language.
  • Interestingly, similar terms like 'malicious' share the prefix 'mal-', indicating badness or inadequacy.

The word 'maladroitly' is derived from the French word 'maladroit', which means 'clumsy' or 'inept'. The French 'mal' means 'bad' while 'adroit' denotes 'skillful' or 'nimble'. The term was absorbed into the English lexicon in the late 19th century as English speakers sought to describe actions or behaviors that lacked coordination or finesse. As a direct descendant of its French origin, 'maladroitly' retains the same connotation of inadequacy and ineffectiveness in execution. Its use has persisted in both literary and colloquial contexts to depict moments where individuals demonstrate a lack of skill or graceful action. The concept reflects a broader societal understanding of competence and performance, often highlighting the contrast between skillful action and its absence.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,810, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.