uncomfortably
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- In a manner that causes physical discomfort or unease: The word "uncomfortably" describes an action or state that results in a feeling of physical awkwardness, pain, or lack of ease.
- In a way that causes mental or emotional uneasiness: It can also describe a situation or manner that leads to feelings of anxiety, embarrassment, or social awkwardness.
Usage Examples
- Adverb:
- The shoes were uncomfortably tight, so I took them off. (The tightness of the shoes caused physical discomfort.)
- He sat uncomfortably on the hard wooden bench for hours. (His sitting position on the hard surface caused physical unease.)
- The room fell uncomfortably silent after his remark. (The silence created a feeling of social or emotional unease.)
- She was uncomfortably aware that everyone was staring at her. (Her awareness caused mental distress or embarrassment.)
Advanced Usage
- "uncomfortably close": at a distance that is awkwardly or alarmingly near.
- The car came uncomfortably close to hitting the pedestrian. (The proximity was alarming and caused unease.)
- "uncomfortably hot/cold": describing a temperature extreme that causes physical distress.
- The office was uncomfortably hot in the afternoon. (The high temperature made it physically unpleasant to be there.)
- "uncomfortably true": describing a fact or statement that is true in a way that causes disquiet or embarrassment.
- His criticism was uncomfortably true, which made it hard to hear. (The truth of the statement caused mental discomfort.)
Variants and Related Words
- Uncomfortable (adjective): causing or feeling discomfort.
- The chair was very uncomfortable.
- Comfortably (adverb): the opposite of "uncomfortably"; in a comfortable manner.
- She slept comfortably in her own bed.
Synonyms
- Awkwardly: in a manner that is not smooth or graceful, causing discomfort.
- Uneasily: in a restless or anxious manner.
- Painfully: in a way that causes pain or distress (can be used figuratively for mental discomfort).
Related Phrases
- Squirm uncomfortably: to wriggle or twist the body from discomfort or nervousness.
- The child squirmed uncomfortably in his seat during the long ceremony.
- Shift uncomfortably: to change position slightly due to physical or mental discomfort.
- He shifted uncomfortably when asked about his mistake.
Adverb
- in physical discomfort
- she lay on the couch, her body uncomfortably twisted