awkwardly
UK: ˈɔːkwədli | US: ˈɔːkwərdli
adv. in a clumsy or ungraceful manner
adv. in a way that causes discomfort or embarrassment
adv. with difficulty or lack of skill
awkwardly = awkward<clumsy> + ly<adverb suffix>
- awkward: Derived from Middle English awkeward (turned the wrong way), combining Old Norse afugr (turned backward) + English suffix -ward (directionally oriented). Originally described physical misalignment, later extended to social discomfort.
- -ly: Old English adverbial suffix -līce, used to form adverbs from adjectives.
Etymology Origin:
The word awkward began as a directional term in Middle English, literally meaning "backward-turned." Over time, it evolved to describe physical clumsiness (as if moving against natural direction) and later social ineptness. The addition of -ly standardizes it as an adverb, preserving its core meaning of maladjustment.
He tripped awkwardly over the uneven pavement.
She laughed awkwardly after realizing her joke fell flat.
The dancer landed awkwardly but recovered gracefully.
He held the violin awkwardly, clearly unfamiliar with the instrument.
The silence stretched awkwardly between them.