Daily Word • Learn, play, and grow your vocabulary
To do something 'worryingly' means to act in a way that causes concern or anxiety. It's like seeing your phone battery drop to 1% when you're expecting an important call—definitely cause for concern. It suggests that something is happening which might lead to a negative outcome. It implies a sense of unease or apprehension. 'Worryingly' highlights the potential for problems. Consider news headlines announcing 'worryingly' high infection rates.
The word 'worryingly' comes from the verb 'worry,' which originally meant 'to strangle' or 'to harass.' Over time, its meaning shifted to 'to feel anxious or troubled.' The suffix '-ing' transforms it into a participle, and '-ly' turns it into an adverb. This evolution reflects a change from physical harm to mental distress, highlighting the power of anxiety.
Imagine your friend isn't replying to your texts, and you know they had a big exam today. They 'worryingly' haven't been online all day. You start to think about all the things that could have gone wrong, causing you to spiral into a state of panic. Their silence acts 'worryingly' on your mind.
Use 'worryingly' to describe situations or actions that cause concern or anxiety. It adds a sense of urgency and highlights potential problems. But don't 'worryingly' obsess over every little thing! Just use the word wisely.
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