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Uncomfortably Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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uncomfortably

[ˌʌnˈkʌmfərtəbli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

feeling

In a way that causes physical or emotional discomfort.

Synonyms

awkwardly, nervously, uneasily.

Examples of usage

  • She shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
  • He laughed uncomfortably at the awkward situation.
  • The silence stretched out uncomfortably between them.
Context #2 | Adverb

manner

In a way that is not comfortable or relaxed.

Synonyms

awkwardly, restlessly, uneasily.

Examples of usage

  • He sat uncomfortably on the hard wooden bench.
  • She slept uncomfortably on the lumpy mattress.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing discomfort can trigger the fight-or-flight response, which prepares the body to either confront or escape from a threat.
  • Feeling uncomfortably anxious can be linked to social situations, where the fear of judgment can increase discomfort.

Popular Culture

  • Numerous comedic films and television shows explore themes of awkward situations, often using 'uncomfortably' moments to create humor.
  • The phrase 'uncomfortable truth' is frequently used in media discussing sensitive topics that people find hard to confront.

Social Dynamics

  • Conversations about race, politics, and gender often lead to uncomfortably challenging dialogues, showing the importance of addressing difficult subjects.
  • In groups, social norms can create uncomfortably silent situations when a person says something controversial.

Health

  • Physical discomfort is often linked to mental health; stress can manifest as pain in the body, making people feel uncomfortably both mentally and physically.
  • Therapists often encourage patients to sit with uncomfortable emotions to better process and understand them.

Origin of 'uncomfortably'

Main points about word origin

  • The word is formed by adding 'un-' (meaning 'not') to 'comfortable,' which comes from Latin 'comfortare,' meaning to strengthen or console.
  • The use of 'uncomfortable' dates back to the late 14th century, while 'uncomfortably' appeared in the early 19th century.

The word 'uncomfortably' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'comfortable'. The concept of discomfort has been recognized throughout history as a state of physical or emotional unease. The word itself has been in use for centuries, evolving to its current form in the English language to describe situations that cause discomfort or unease.

See also: comfort, comfortable, comfortably, comforted, comforter, comforting, comfy, discomfort, discomforting, uncomfortable.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,837, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.