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Uncannily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ป
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uncannily

[สŒnหˆkรฆnษชli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

inexplicably

In a way that is strange or mysterious, especially in a way that seems supernatural or inexplicable.

Synonyms

eerie, mysteriously, supernaturally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uncannily

Use 'uncannily' when describing something strange or unsettling that is surprisingly accurate or familiar, making you feel uncomfortable.

  • The robot moved uncannily like a human.
  • She predicted my actions uncannily well.
mysteriously

Use 'mysteriously' to describe something that happens or appears in a manner that is difficult to understand or explain.

  • The book mysteriously disappeared from the shelf.
  • He smiled mysteriously, as if hiding a secret.
supernaturally

Use 'supernaturally' when referring to something that seems to come from beyond the natural world, often involving ghosts, magic, or other paranormal phenomena.

  • The old castle was said to be supernaturally haunted.
  • She seemed to possess a supernaturally keen sense of intuition.
eerie

Use 'eerie' to describe something that makes you feel scared or nervous because it is strange or mysterious.

  • The abandoned house had an eerie silence.
  • There was an eerie green light in the sky.

Examples of usage

  • She uncannily predicted the exact outcome of the game.
  • The resemblance between the two siblings was uncannily striking.
Context #2 | Adverb

creepily

In a way that suggests something strange or unnatural, often causing unease or fear.

Synonyms

creepily, unnaturally, unsettlingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uncannily

Use this when describing something that is eerily similar or surprisingly identical, often in a way that is hard to explain.

  • The twins looked uncannily alike, despite being separated at birth
creepily

This word is best used when referring to something or someone that causes a feeling of fear or unease, often with a sense of lurking threat. It usually has a negative connotation.

  • He stared at her creepily from across the room, making her feel very uncomfortable
unnaturally

This word is suitable for describing something that deviates from what is normal or natural. It can imply that something is artificial or forced.

  • The manโ€™s smile appeared unnaturally wide, giving an eerie impression
unsettlingly

Use this to describe something that makes you feel disturbed or anxious, often disrupting your sense of comfort or security.

  • The news about the sudden disappearance of the CEO was unsettlingly sudden for the employees

Examples of usage

  • The old house had an uncannily silent atmosphere.
  • His uncannily lifelike paintings gave viewers an eerie feeling.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • The term often relates to the 'uncanny valley' phenomenon, where humanoid robots that are close to but not quite human evoke discomfort.
  • In psychology, feeling uncannily can trigger strong emotional responses, as it confronts our expectations and reality.
  • The concept of the uncanny suggests that familiar things can become strange when they are presented in unusual contexts.

Literature

  • Writers like Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft explored themes of the uncanny in their horror tales, evoking fear through the familiar yet unnatural.
  • Freud famously discussed the uncanny in his essay 'The Uncanny,' where he examined how repressed fears manifest in unexpected ways.
  • The concept has influenced modern storytelling in genres like horror and psychological thrillers, creating tension through familiar yet unsettling experiences.

Pop Culture

  • Films such as 'The Sixth Sense' and 'Get Out' exemplify uncanny elements through their plot twists and unexpected revelations.
  • Many video games use uncanny imagery or scenarios to create suspense, immersing players in eerie atmospheres.
  • 'Uncanny Valley' has become a cultural reference in discussing AI and animation, where lifelike characters can unnerve viewers.

Art

  • Artists like Salvador Dalรญ harnessed the uncanny through dreamlike and surreal compositions, challenging viewers' perceptions of reality.
  • The uncanny is also prevalent in contemporary art, where ordinary objects are depicted in bizarre, unsettling ways to provoke thought.
  • Installation art often uses the concept to create immersive environments that feel both familiar and alien to audiences.

Origin of 'uncannily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word is derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning not, and 'canny,' which comes from Scots, meaning careful or knowing.
  • The term gained popularity in English literature during the 19th century, often used to describe eerie or supernatural events.
  • Its usage evolved to describe something beyond normality, transforming from purely physical to psychological connotations.

The word 'uncannily' is derived from the term 'uncanny,' which has its roots in the Old English word 'uncรบth,' meaning 'unknown' or 'unfamiliar.' The concept of the uncanny was explored by Sigmund Freud in his essay 'The Uncanny,' where he delved into the eerie and unsettling nature of the familiar being presented in an unfamiliar way. Over time, 'uncannily' has come to represent a sense of mysteriousness or strangeness that goes beyond the ordinary.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,055 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.