left-handedly
Definition
Adverb - In a left-handed manner: "left-handedly" describes an action performed with or using the left hand, especially in a way that is characteristic of left-handed people. - Awkwardly or clumsily: By extension, it can mean doing something in an unskilled or inept manner, as if using the non-dominant hand.
Usage Examples
- (She used her left hand to write.)
- (He threw with his left hand.)
- (He worked awkwardly, as if unaccustomed to the task.)
Advanced Usage
- "to do something left-handedly": to perform an action in a way that suggests lack of skill or natural ability.
- The new employee typed left-handedly, making frequent errors. (He typed ineptly.)
- "left-handedly complimented": to give a compliment that is ambiguous or backhanded, often implying criticism.
- She left-handedly praised his effort, noting that it was better than expected. (She gave a backhanded compliment.)
Variants and Related Words
- Left-handed (adj): using the left hand more skillfully than the right.
- He is a left-handed pitcher. (He throws with his left hand.)
- Left-handedness (n): the state or condition of being left-handed.
- Left-handedness is common in about 10% of the population. (The trait of favoring the left hand.)
- Left-hander (n): a person who is left-handed.
- The team needs a good left-hander for the game. (A left-handed player.)
Synonyms
- Awkwardly: in an ungraceful or clumsy manner.
- Clumsily: in a way that lacks coordination or skill.
- Ineptly: without skill or aptitude.
Related Idioms
- Left-handed compliment: a remark that seems complimentary but is actually insulting or ambiguous.
- He gave her a left-handed compliment, saying she was surprisingly smart for her age. (A backhanded praise.)
Phrasal Verbs
- To do something left-handedly is not commonly used as a phrasal verb; the adverb modifies verbs directly as shown in examples above.