Worryingly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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worryingly

[หˆwสŒrษชษชล‹li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a disturbing or concerning manner

Worryingly is an adverb that describes something that causes worry, concern, or anxiety. It is used to emphasize the seriousness or gravity of a situation.

Synonyms

alarmingly, concerningly, disturbingly.

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Word Description / Examples
worryingly

Used to describe something that causes worry or anxiety but may not necessarily indicate immediate danger. It's often used in news or reports.

  • Worryingly, the number of cases has continued to rise.
  • Worryingly, there has been an increase in cyber attacks this year.
alarmingly

Used when something causes a lot of concern and may indicate immediate danger or a serious problem. This word often has a stronger sense of urgency and is used in more serious contexts.

  • Alarmingly, the fire spread to the neighboring buildings within minutes.
  • Alarmingly, the patientโ€™s condition deteriorated overnight.
disturbingly

Used to describe something that not only worries but also deeply unsettles or shocks someone. It often has a negative emotional impact.

  • Disturbingly, the investigation revealed widespread corruption.
  • Disturbingly, many of the images showed signs of severe neglect.
concerningly

Used to describe something that raises concern or unease but is not necessarily urgent or alarming. Itโ€™s more neutral compared to 'alarmingly.'

  • Concerningly, more students are dropping out of school this year.
  • Concerningly, the report showed a decline in public trust.

Examples of usage

  • The number of COVID-19 cases is worryingly high.
  • She looked worryingly pale after the accident.
  • The company's financial situation is worryingly unstable.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Worrying can trigger the body's stress response, leading to increased heart rate and stress hormones if experienced frequently.
  • Researchers suggest that excessive worrying can be linked to mental health conditions like anxiety disorders and depression.
  • The act of worrying, especially in a 'worryingly' manner, can often prevent people from focusing on solutions, creating a cycle of fear.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and literature, characters often exhibit worrying behaviors that foreshadow trouble or conflict, emphasizing its narrative importance.
  • Lyrics in many popular songs capture the theme of worrying about relationships, highlighting common human emotions many can relate to.
  • 'Worryingly' is frequently used in media headlines when reporting distressing news, creating urgency and concern in the audience.

Health

  • Chronic worrying can have physical health repercussions, such as contributing to insomnia, fatigue, and digestive problems.
  • Mindfulness practices are often recommended to combat worrying by teaching individuals to focus on the present moment rather than future anxieties.
  • Healthy coping strategies can transform worrying into productive problem-solving rather than being immobilized by fear.

Origin of 'worryingly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'worry' comes from the Old English 'wyrgan,' meaning to strangle or choke, reflecting the feeling of being overwhelmed.
  • The suffix '-ingly' adds the idea of doing something in a certain manner, in this case, related to causing anxiety.
  • The transformation from 'worry' to 'worryingly' signifies a change from a noun/verb to an adverb, showing how an action affects a situation.

The word 'worryingly' is derived from the verb 'worry,' which has Old English origins. Over time, the adverb 'worryingly' evolved to emphasize the sense of concern or anxiety associated with the verb. It has been in use in the English language for centuries, reflecting the universal human experience of worry and concern.


See also: unworried, worried, worriedly, worrier, worry, worrying.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,548, 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.