Uncertainly: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿคทโ€โ™‚๏ธ
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uncertainly

 

[ สŒnหˆsษœrtษ™ntli ]

Adverb / Noun
Context #1 | Adverb

in a hesitant or unsure manner

in a way that shows a lack of confidence or certainty; without firm conviction

Synonyms

doubtfully, hesitantly, indecisively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uncertainly

Same as the first mention as it is a duplicate.

  • She uncertainly stepped onto the ice, afraid she might slip
hesitantly

This word is used when someone is pausing or waiting before taking action, often due to caution or nervousness.

  • She hesitantly reached out her hand to pet the unfamiliar dog
indecisively

Ideal for situations where a person is struggling to make a choice, often changing their mind multiple times.

  • He walked indecisively between the two stores, unable to decide where to shop
doubtfully

This word suits situations where there is skepticism or disbelief about something.

  • He stared at the broken clock doubtfully, wondering if it would ever work again

Examples of usage

  • She answered uncertainly, not sure if she was right or wrong.
  • He glanced uncertainly at the clock, wondering if he was late for the meeting.
Context #2 | Noun

lack of confidence or certainty

the state of being unsure or hesitant; lack of conviction or confidence in one's actions or decisions

Synonyms

doubt, hesitation, indecision.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uncertainly

Use when someone is unsure about what they are saying or doing, often showing a lack of confidence.

  • "She spoke uncertainly, unsure if her answer was correct."
  • "He looked uncertainly at the map, not knowing which way to go."
doubt

Use when expressing skepticism or a lack of belief in something.

  • "I have serious doubts about the success of this plan."
  • "He expressed doubt that the situation would improve."
indecision

Use when describing someone's inability to make a quick, clear decision.

  • "Her indecision caused the project to be delayed by several weeks."
  • "He stood at the crossroads in a state of indecision."
hesitation

Use when someone is pausing before doing something, showing they are wary or unsure about proceeding.

  • "After a moment of hesitation, she agreed to try the new method."
  • "His hesitation was noticeable before he answered the question."

Examples of usage

  • Her uncertainty about the future made her anxious.
  • The uncertainty of the situation left him feeling lost and confused.

Translations

Translations of the word "uncertainly" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น incertamente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เคจเคฟเคถเฅเคšเคฟเคคเคคเคพ เคธเฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช unsicher

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ dengan ketidakpastian

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะตะฒะฟะตะฒะฝะตะฝะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ niepewnie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไธ็ขบใ‹ใซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท incertainement

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ con incertidumbre

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท belirsizlikle

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ถˆํ™•์‹คํ•˜๊ฒŒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุดูƒู„ ุบูŠุฑ ู…ุคูƒุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nejistฤ›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ neisto

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไธ็กฎๅฎšๅœฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ negotovo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รณvissulega

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐะฝั‹า› ะตะผะตั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฃแƒชแƒœแƒแƒ‘แƒแƒ“

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qeyri-mรผษ™yyษ™nliklษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ con incertidumbre

Etymology

The word 'uncertainly' is derived from the adjective 'uncertain,' which dates back to the 14th century. It combines the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with the word 'certain,' ultimately from the Latin 'certus,' meaning 'fixed, settled, determined.' The adverb form 'uncertainly' emerged later, in the 16th century, to describe actions or behaviors done in an unsure or hesitant manner.

See also: certain, certainly, certainty, uncertain, uncertainty.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,764, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.