painfully

UK: ˈpeɪnfəli | US: ˈpeɪnfəli

Definition

  1. adv. in a manner causing physical or emotional pain

  2. adv. to an extreme or excessive degree (often used for emphasis)

Structure
painful <full of pain>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

The word "painfully" combines "painful," derived from "pain" (Old French peine, Latin poena meaning "penalty" or "suffering") + the suffix "-ful" (Old English -full, meaning "full of"). The adverbial suffix "-ly" (Old English -līce) transforms the adjective into an adverb, indicating manner or degree. Over time, "painfully" evolved to describe both literal suffering and figurative intensity.

Examples

  1. He walked painfully after the injury.

  2. The decision was painfully obvious to everyone.

  3. She waited painfully for the test results.

  4. The joke fell painfully flat.

  5. Progress was painfully slow.