Awkwardly
/ˈɔːkwərdli/
adverbBeginnerCommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
In a clumsy or embarrassed way.
/ˈɔːkwərdli/
adverbneutralBeginner
General
In an awkward manner
He awkwardly reached for the cup.
💡 Simply: In a clumsy, uncomfortable way.
More Examples
2
She laughed awkwardly at his joke.
How It's Used
Everyday conversation
"He awkwardly stumbled over the cat."
Social situations
"She awkwardly shifted in her seat."
From awkward + -ly. 'Awkward' itself originates from Old Norse *afugr, meaning 'away from' or 'opposite'. The suffix '-ly' indicates manner.
The word's usage has remained largely consistent over time, referring to clumsiness and discomfort.
Memory tip
Imagine someone moving clumsily like a wooden puppet.
Practice
Base: awkward
awkardlyawkwadlyawquardly
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written