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Murkily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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murkily

[ˈmɜː.kɪ.li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

used in writing or speech

In a murky or unclear manner.

Synonyms

ambiguously, obscurely, vaguely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
murkily

Used when describing something that is not clear or is hard to see, often used to describe physical conditions or figuratively to refer to unclear situations.

  • The details of the plan were explained murkily.
  • The water in the pond looked murkily due to algae.
obscurely

Used when something is not clear or hidden, often related to language or meanings that are hard to understand. Can also imply something is not well-known or is indirectly referenced.

  • The historical text was written obscurely, making it difficult to understand.
  • The artist obscurely referenced a lesser-known myth in his painting.
vaguely

Used to describe something that is not clear in shape, size, or meaning; lacking in detail or precision.

  • She vaguely remembered the events of that night.
  • The plan was vaguely outlined in the document.
ambiguously

Used when something is open to more than one interpretation; unclear or inexact because a choice between alternatives has not been made.

  • He answered the question ambiguously, leaving us more confused.
  • The instructions were written ambiguously, making it hard to follow.

Examples of usage

  • He described the situation murkily, leaving us confused.
  • The details of the contract were presented murkily, making it difficult to understand.
  • The reasons for his resignation were explained murkily, raising suspicions.
  • The company's financial statements were prepared murkily, leading to doubts about their accuracy.
  • The truth was hidden behind murkily worded statements.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In poetry, murkily often evokes feelings of uncertainty or danger, enhancing the emotional tone.
  • Classic novels sometimes describe murky settings to symbolize characters' moral ambiguity or internal struggles.
  • 'Murkily' can also describe events in mystery stories where things are hidden or not as they seem.

Psychology

  • The term can metaphorically describe mental states when someone feels confused or unclear about their thoughts.
  • In therapy, people may express emotions or memories as murkily felt, indicating they're hard to articulate.
  • Murkiness can also relate to cognitive load; when overwhelmed, our thoughts may feel unclear and murky.

Environmental Science

  • Water bodies described as murky often have high levels of sediment or algae, affecting wildlife.
  • Murkily polluted waters can serve as indicators of environmental health, showing the impact of human activity.
  • Efforts to clear murky waters can include techniques like sedimentation and filtration, improving water quality.

Pop Culture

  • The term appears in various songs and movies to express themes of confusion, fear, or romantic uncertainty.
  • In the video game industry, murkily might describe settings that enhance the atmosphere in horror or adventure games.
  • Murky visuals in films often create suspense, adding to the overall mood and feeling of mystery.

Origin of 'murkily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from Middle English 'murke', which means dark or gloomy.
  • It shares roots with the older forms of the word 'murky', which dates back to the 15th century.
  • The use of murkily has evolved from describing physical darkness to also describe confusion or unclear situations.

The word "murkily" is derived from the adjective "murky," which has been in use since the 16th century. The base word "murk" comes from Middle English "mirke," which means dark or gloomy. Over time, the adverb form "murkily" was formed to describe actions or situations done in a murky or unclear manner.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,243, 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.