Reluctantly: meaning, definitions and examples

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reluctantly

 

[ rɪˈlʌktəntli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

in a hesitant or unwilling way

If you do something reluctantly, you do it without wanting to and with a lack of enthusiasm.

Synonyms

grudgingly, hesitantly, unwillingly

Examples of usage

  • She reluctantly agreed to help him with his project.
  • He reluctantly admitted his mistake.
  • I reluctantly went to the party even though I didn't feel like socializing.
Context #2 | Adverb

with hesitation or reservation

Reluctantly can also mean in a way that shows doubt or uncertainty.

Synonyms

doubtfully, skeptically, uncertainly

Examples of usage

  • She agreed reluctantly, unsure of the consequences.
  • He took the job reluctantly, fearing it might not be the right fit for him.

Translations

Translations of the word "reluctantly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 relutantemente

🇮🇳 अनिच्छा से

🇩🇪 widerwillig

🇮🇩 dengan enggan

🇺🇦 неохоче

🇵🇱 niechętnie

🇯🇵 しぶしぶ

🇫🇷 à contrecœur

🇪🇸 a regañadientes

🇹🇷 isteksizce

🇰🇷 마지못해

🇸🇦 على مضض

🇨🇿 neochotně

🇸🇰 neochotne

🇨🇳 不情愿地

🇸🇮 neradovoljno

🇮🇸 treglega

🇰🇿 құлықсыз

🇬🇪 არასასურველად

🇦🇿 istəksizcə

🇲🇽 a regañadientes

Etymology

The word 'reluctantly' originated from the Middle English word 'reluctaunt', which derived from the Latin word 'reluctant-', meaning to struggle against. Over time, the meaning evolved to convey a sense of unwillingness or hesitation. The adverb 'reluctantly' has been in use for centuries, reflecting the common experience of having to do something against one's will or desire.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,142, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.