Scarily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scarily

[หˆskษ›ษ™rษ™li ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a frightening manner

In a way that makes you feel frightened; in a manner that causes fear or alarm.

Synonyms

alarmingly, frighteningly, terrifyingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scarily

Used for something that is surprisingly or unexpectedly causing fear or concern in a way that is not overly intense. It can be used to describe subtle but still noticeable fear.

  • He can drive scarily fast
  • It's scarily quiet in the office today
frighteningly

Used when something induces a strong sense of fear or dread, often emphasizing the degree to which something causes fear.

  • She is frighteningly efficient
  • The storm grew frighteningly quickly
terrifyingly

Employed in situations where the fear is intense and overwhelming, often used for extreme scenarios or to emphasize the dramatic extent of fear.

  • The experience was terrifyingly real
  • He stared at the terrifyingly high cliff
alarmingly

Applied when something causes sudden worry or fear, often because it represents a significant change or potential danger.

  • The temperature is rising alarmingly
  • His health has deteriorated alarmingly since last week

Examples of usage

  • She looked at him scarily, her eyes wide with terror.
  • The old house loomed scarily in the darkness, its windows boarded up.
Context #2 | Adverb

to a great extent or degree

Used to emphasize a description or action, typically in a negative or unfavorable way.

Synonyms

extremely, highly, very.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scarily

Use 'scarily' when describing something that is frightening or unsettling to an unusual extent. Often used to emphasize the extent of fear or concern caused by a situation.

  • The storm grew scarily powerful overnight.
  • He was scarily good at mimicking voices.
extremely

Use 'extremely' to emphasize the highest degree of an adjective or adverb. Suitable for formal and informal contexts to denote something far beyond average.

  • She was extremely happy with her new job.
  • The test was extremely difficult.
very

Use 'very' as an intensifier to increase the force of adjectives or adverbs. Can be used in both formal and informal language, covering a broad range of contexts.

  • It's a very interesting book.
  • She runs very fast.
highly

Use 'highly' to express a strong degree of a particular quality, often in a positive sense. Frequently used in formal contexts to commend or emphasize the importance of something.

  • The movie was highly recommended by critics.
  • She is a highly skilled musician.

Examples of usage

  • She was scarily accurate in predicting the future.
  • The project was scarily close to failure.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

  • Scarily is often used in horror movies, making the audience aware that what theyโ€™re seeing could be terrifying.
  • The phrase 'scarily funny' combines humor with fear, showing how people sometimes laugh at what frightens them.
  • In literature, authors often capitalize on scarily descriptive language to evoke strong emotional responses from readers.

Psychology

  • Fear is often heightened in situations described as scarily unpredictable, which can trigger stress responses.
  • The use of scarily in media can influence people's perceptions, making them more susceptible to anxiety and fright.
  • Research shows that scarily presented stimuli can enhance memory retention, as strong emotions often help embed memories.

Pop Culture

  • The term is frequently seen in popular blogs and online reviews of horror films, emphasizing their effectiveness at creating fear.
  • Famous songs and stories have used the term to highlight suspenseful or tension-filled moments that evoke fear.
  • Television shows often employ cliffhangers in a scarily dramatic fashion to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Literature

  • In gothic literature, scarily vivid descriptions create atmospheres that immerse readers in a tense, spooky setting.
  • Poets often use scarily detailed imagery to evoke emotions about fear, loneliness, or anxiety, enhancing the mood.
  • Classic tales such as those by Edgar Allan Poe exemplify the use of 'scarily' in describing eerie locations and chilling events.

Origin of 'scarily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'scarily' comes from 'scary,' which itself emerged in the early 19th century, deriving from 'scare' โ€“ meaning to frighten.
  • The suffix '-ly' is added to describe how something behaves, turning 'scary' into a way to describe the manner of fright.
  • Over the years, 'scarily' has evolved to describe not just physical fear but also situations or behaviors that are unsettling.

The word 'scarily' is derived from the adjective 'scary', which dates back to the late 16th century. The term 'scary' originally meant timid or easily frightened, but over time it evolved to describe something causing fear or alarm. The adverb 'scarily' developed from this adjective form to emphasize the degree of fear or alarm. Today, 'scarily' is commonly used in both contexts to convey a sense of fright or intensity.


See also: scare, scarecrow, scared, scary.