uncertainly

/ʌn'sə:tnli/

Thân thiện

He paused uncertainly before answering the question.

Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a manner that shows doubt or lack of certainty: Expressing hesitation, indecision, or a lack of confidence in what one is saying, thinking, or doing.
   • In an unsteady, wavering, or insecure manner: Moving or behaving in a way that is not firm, stable, or confident.

Usage and Examples

• Showing lack of certainty:

  • She answered the question uncertainly, unsure if her memory was correct.
  • "I think the meeting is tomorrow," he said uncertainly.

• In an unsteady manner:

  • The toddler stood up uncertainly before taking a few wobbly steps.
  • After the long flight, he walked uncertainly through the unfamiliar airport.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "to speak/answer uncertainly": To communicate with hesitation, often indicated by a faltering voice or pauses.

  • Faced with the difficult question, the student began to speak uncertainly.

• "to move/stand uncertainly": To exhibit physical instability or a lack of balance.

  • The hiker, exhausted and dizzy, moved uncertainly along the narrow path.

Variants and Related Words

• Uncertain (adjective): Not known, definite, or decided; not confident or sure.
  • The outcome of the election is still uncertain.
• Uncertainty (noun): The state of being uncertain; something that is uncertain or causes doubt.
  • There is a great deal of uncertainty about the future of the project.

Synonyms

• Hesitantly: With hesitation or reluctance.
• Tentatively: In a hesitant, cautious, or experimental manner.
• Unsteadily: In a way that is not firm, stable, or regular in movement.
• Dubiously: With doubt or suspicion.

Antonyms

• Certainly: Without doubt; definitely.
• Confidently: In a self-assured way.
• Steadily: In a regular, stable, and unwavering manner.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To tread uncertainly: To proceed with caution and doubt, either literally or figuratively.
  • The company is treading uncertainly into the new market.
• An uncertainly held belief: A belief or opinion that is not firmly held and is open to doubt.
  • It was more of an uncertainly held belief than a strong conviction.

Học thuật

Adverb

1. showing lack of certainty
   • he paused uncertainly
2. in an unsteady manner
   • he walked unsteadily toward the exit
   • The wounded soldier was swinging unsteadily on his legs

Từ đồng nghĩa

• unsteadily
• falteringly