Definition

Adverb: - In a manner characterized by sudden, violent, and involuntary muscle contractions or spasms. - In a way that resembles or involves a convulsion; violently and uncontrollably.

Usage

The adverb "convulsively" is used to modify a verb, describing that the action is performed in a sudden, jerky, and uncontrollable manner, similar to the spasms of a convulsion. It often describes physical movements but can also describe actions like laughing or crying.

Examples

• His hands shook convulsively as he tried to hold the glass.
• She began to laugh convulsively, unable to stop herself.
• The patient's body jerked convulsively during the seizure.
• He clutched the edge of the table convulsively, his knuckles white.

Advanced Usage

• "to sob convulsively": to cry with heavy, uncontrollable breaths and body shakes.
  • After hearing the news, she sobbed convulsively for an hour.
• Used to intensify the description of an involuntary reaction to strong emotion or a medical condition.
  • He gagged convulsively at the terrible smell.

Variants and Related Words

• Convulsive (adjective): Relating to or causing convulsions.
  • The medicine had a convulsive effect.
• Convulsion (noun): A sudden, violent, irregular movement of the body caused by involuntary contraction of muscles.
  • The fever can cause convulsions in young children.

Synonyms

• Spasmodically: In a sudden, violent, and temporary burst of activity.
• Involuntarily: Done without conscious control.
• Jerkingly: With a quick, sharp, sudden movement.

Antonyms

• Calmly: In a relaxed and quiet manner.
• Smoothly: In an even and regular way; without sudden changes.
• Voluntarily: Done by choice; willingly.

Adverb

1. with convulsions, in a convulsive way
   • her leg twitched convulsively