distressingly
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: * In a manner that causes distress, anxiety, or alarm; in a way that is upsetting or troubling. * To a degree or in a way that is unpleasantly or regrettably noticeable.
Usage
The adverb "distressingly" is used to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb to emphasize that the action or quality described is upsetting, worrying, or unpleasantly evident. It often introduces a negative observation or fact.
Examples
- The child was crying distressingly in the crowded store.
- The report showed that pollution levels are distressingly high.
- He was distressingly unaware of the basic facts.
- The project's progress has been distressingly slow.
Advanced Usage
- "Distressingly common/frequent": Used to express that something undesirable happens more often than one would hope or expect.
- Such mistakes are distressingly common in this department.
- "Distressingly little/few": Used to express concern over a small or insufficient amount of something positive.
- The government has done distressingly little to address the crisis.
Variants and Related Words
- Distress (noun): Extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.
- The news caused her great distress.
- Distress (verb): To cause someone anxiety, sorrow, or pain.
- The images of the disaster distressed everyone who saw them.
- Distressed (adjective): Suffering from extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain; also, in poor condition.
- She was visibly distressed by the accusation.
- A distressed leather jacket.
- Distressing (adjective): Causing anxiety, sorrow, or pain; upsetting.
- We received some distressing news.
Synonyms
- Alarmingly: In a way that causes worry or fear.
- Upsettingly: In a manner that causes emotional disturbance.
- Troublingly: In a way that causes concern or unease.
- Regrettably: Unfortunately (often used in formal contexts to introduce bad news).
- Painfully: To a distressing or extreme degree (often used figuratively).
Antonyms
- Reassuringly: In a way that removes doubts or fears.
- Comfortingly: In a way that provides consolation or relief.
- Pleasantly: In an enjoyable or agreeable manner.
Adverb
- unpleasantly
- his ignorance was painfully obvious