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Uneasily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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uneasily

[ʌnˈiːzɪli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a tense or nervous manner

Uneasily means in a tense or nervous manner, often due to feeling uncomfortable, anxious, or uncertain. It is a state of unease or discomfort.

Synonyms

anxiously, nervously, tensely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uneasily

Used when someone feels discomfort or slight fear, usually in a situation that seems suspicious or unfamiliar.

  • He glanced around the dark alley uneasily.
  • She shifted uneasily in her chair during the meeting.
nervously

Used when someone feels a mix of anxiety, apprehension, and restlessness, often in situations requiring performance or when facing the unknown.

  • He laughed nervously when asked about his plans.
  • She bit her lip nervously before stepping onto the stage.
anxiously

Used when someone feels a strong sense of worry or anticipation, often related to an upcoming event or uncertain outcome.

  • She waited anxiously for the doctor to call with the test results.
  • He paced back and forth anxiously before his big presentation.
tensely

Used when someone feels tightness and stress, often in situations of high pressure or conflict.

  • The atmosphere in the room grew tensely quiet as they waited for the verdict.
  • He sat tensely through the entire debate.

Examples of usage

  • She shifted uneasily in her seat, unable to relax.
  • He glanced around uneasily, feeling like someone was watching him.
  • The tension in the room grew uneasily as they waited for the results.
Context #2 | Adjective

causing discomfort or nervousness

Uneasily can also be used as an adjective to describe something that causes discomfort or nervousness. It refers to situations, actions, or behaviors that make people feel uneasy.

Synonyms

awkward, nervous, uncomfortable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uneasily

This word is used when someone feels tense or unsettled, often due to uncertainty or worry about a situation.

  • She glanced around the room uneasily, unsure of what to expect
awkward

Use 'awkward' when describing situations or social interactions that feel clumsy or uncomfortable, especially when someone doesn't know how to act or respond.

  • It was an awkward moment when they realized they had both shown up to the party wearing the same outfit
uncomfortable

This term is used when someone feels physical discomfort or emotional unease, often in a situation that is unpleasant or disturbing.

  • She felt uncomfortable during the heated argument and wanted to leave the room
nervous

This word describes a state of anxiety or apprehension, often before an event or task that one is worried about. It implies a feeling of being on edge.

  • He was nervous before his job interview and couldn't sit still

Examples of usage

  • The uneasily silence in the room made everyone feel awkward.
  • She gave him an uneasily smile, not sure how to react.
  • The uneasily atmosphere of the meeting made it hard to concentrate.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling uneasy can stem from anxiety, which is our mind's way of responding to perceived threats.
  • Research suggests that physical feelings of unease can influence our decision-making processes.
  • People often use body language, like crossing arms or avoiding eye contact, to express uneasiness without saying a word.

Literature

  • Many classic novels feature characters who feel uneasy in situations, highlighting their internal struggles.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, uneasiness is often a foreshadowing of conflict, hinting at troubles ahead.
  • Authors sometimes use uneasiness to build suspense in thrillers, keeping readers on edge.

Everyday Language

  • People often say they feel uneasy before big events, like speaking in front of a crowd or going on a first date.
  • The phrase 'my stomach is in knots' is a common way to describe physical uneasiness during stressful situations.
  • In conversations, someone might say they feel uneasy about a topic, signaling discomfort without providing full details.

Pop Culture

  • Songs often explore themes of uneasiness, mirroring feelings of insecurity in relationships.
  • In horror films, characters frequently experience uneasiness, contributing to suspense and tension.
  • Certain comedy sketches play with uneasiness for humor, as characters navigate awkward social situations.

Origin of 'uneasily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'uneasy,' which combines 'un-' (not) with 'easy,' meaning not feeling relaxed.
  • It was first used in the English language in the late 15th century, showing feelings of discomfort or anxiety.
  • The prefix 'un-' is common in English and often negates the meaning of the root word, creating contrasting feelings.

The word uneasily originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of' and the adjective 'easy'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. Over time, it has been used to describe feelings of discomfort, tension, or anxiety. The adverb form is commonly used to depict actions or behaviors that reflect unease, while the adjective form is used to characterize situations or atmospheres that cause discomfort.

See also: easily, easygoing, uneasy.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,061, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.