Stonily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stonily

[หˆstoสŠnษชli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

emotion expression

Stonily means in a manner that shows no emotion or feeling, often suggesting coldness or indifference. It typically describes a way of speaking or reacting that is impassive and devoid of warmth.

Synonyms

coldly, emotionlessly, impassively, indifferently.

Examples of usage

  • She gazed stonily at the news without showing any reaction.
  • He responded stonily, refusing to engage in the conversation.
  • The child listened stonily to the criticism.
  • Her stonily expression gave nothing away.

Translations

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Origin of 'stonily'

The word 'stonily' derives from 'stone', which has Old English roots in 'stan'. The word is related to the physical properties of stone, known for being hard, cold, and unyielding. Over time, the term transitioned from describing the characteristics of stones to metaphorically portraying human emotions and expressions. The adverbial form 'stonily' has been used to describe a person's demeanor or behavior that resembles the unfeeling nature of stone, encapsulating the essence of being emotionally distant or unresponsive. This evolution reflects how language often takes tangible qualities and uses them to articulate abstract human experiences. 'Stonily' conveys a sense of rigidity in emotional expression, firmly rooted in the imagery of stone's physical attributes.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,656, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.