Definition

Adverb To a degree or in a manner that is intimidating, discouraging, or overwhelming; in a way that makes one feel afraid or less confident about doing something.

Usage

The adverb "dauntingly" is used to modify an adjective (or sometimes another adverb) to indicate that the quality described is so extreme it is intimidating. It almost always precedes the adjective it modifies. * It describes a level of difficulty, scale, or complexity that is discouraging or fearsome. * It is a formal word, more common in written English than in casual speech.

Examples

• The mountain peak looked dauntingly high from the base camp.
• She faced a dauntingly large pile of paperwork on her first day.
• The professor's lectures were dauntingly complex for the new students.
• The task of learning a new language can seem dauntingly difficult at first.

Advanced Usage

• "Dauntingly" can be used with adjectives beyond "difficult," such as , , , , or , to convey an intimidating aspect of that quality.
  • The library's dauntingly complete collection made it hard to know where to start.
  • He was dauntingly self-assured during the debate.

Variants and Related Words

• Daunt (verb): To make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive.
  • The size of the project did not daunt her.
• Daunting (adjective): Intimidating or discouraging through being impressively large, formidable, or difficult.
  • Moving to a new country is a daunting prospect.
• Und daunting (adjective): Not intimidating or discouraging.
  • The friendly guide made the tour feel undaunting.

Synonyms

• Intimidatingly
• Formidably
• Overwhelmingly
• Discouragingly

Antonyms

• Manageably
• Approachably
• Encouragingly

Adverb

1. to a degree or in a manner that daunts
   • dauntingly difficult