Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a manner showing the effects of having consumed too much alcohol: Describes an action performed while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol, often implying a lack of coordination, control, or clear judgment.
   • In a way that is characteristic of or befitting a drunk person: Indicates behavior typical of someone who is drunk.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • He stumbled drunkenly out of the bar and into the street. (He exited the bar in an unsteady, intoxicated manner.)
  • She laughed loudly and drunkenly at the joke that wasn't very funny. (Her laughter was excessive and showed she was under the influence.)
  • The man sang drunkenly on the subway, much to the annoyance of other passengers. (His singing was loud, off-key, and a result of being drunk.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to modify verbs of motion or action: Often paired with verbs like , , , , , or to emphasize the impaired quality of the action.
  • The revelers swayed drunkenly to the music.
• Used figuratively: Can describe actions that are not literally caused by alcohol but resemble the uncontrolled, excessive, or irrational behavior of a drunk person.
  • After the victory, the fans celebrated drunkenly with joy, though no alcohol was involved. (This use is less common and somewhat poetic.)

Variants and Related Words

• Drunk (adjective): Affected by alcohol to the extent of losing control of one's faculties or behavior.
  • He was too drunk to drive.
• Drunken (adjective): (Often attributive) Caused by or showing the effects of drink; intoxicated. Can also describe habitual drunkenness.
  • A drunken stupor; drunken behavior.
• Inebriated (adjective): A more formal synonym for drunk.
• Intoxicated (adjective): Affected by alcohol or another substance.

Synonyms

• Intoxicatedly: In a drunken manner. (Formal/rare)
• Boozeily: In a manner influenced by alcohol. (Informal)
• Unsteadily: In a way that is not firm or stable. (Can be a descriptive synonym when referring to movement.)

Related Phrases

• To be drunk and disorderly: A legal phrase for being publicly intoxicated and causing a disturbance.
• Under the influence: A common phrase meaning affected by alcohol or drugs.

Notes on Usage

• "Drunkenly" vs. "Drunk": "Drunk" is primarily an adjective (), while "drunkenly" is the adverb form describing how an action is performed (). The adjective "drunken" is often used before a noun ().
• Connotation: The word typically carries a negative connotation, implying loss of control, potential danger, or social impropriety. It is not a neutral term.

Adverb

1. showing effects of much strong drink
   • He sang drunkenly