clumsily · adv — in a clumsy manner or way; without care or finesse, often hurriedly or awkwardly. It carries an Arena rating of 1388, earned across 5 head-to-head judged battles.
Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, clumsily ranks #5,584 of 17,128 for Words That Escaped Their Books, #6,266 of 17,136 for Most Malleable Words, #6,577 of 17,128 for Most Vivid Words, #9,066 of 17,126 for Most Elegant Words.
Why “clumsily” is a great word
In a manner lacking grace, dexterity, or precision; awkwardly. From clumsy (from 16th century, possibly from obsolete clumse, "benumbed with cold," or Scandinavian origin, akin to Swedish klumsig) + -ly. Unlike "awkwardly," which carries the sting of social embarrassment, or "carelessly," which implies a negligent mind, "clumsily" speaks purely of the body's betrayal—the fumbled key, the sloshed wineglass, the shin meeting the table's edge with a percussive thud. It is not the failure of care, but the body's quiet tragedy of intention, where even the most tender effort results in smudges, spills, and the faint, metallic scent of regret rising from dented tin.
❧ Written by Lexicurio’s AI
Etymology
From clumsy + -ly.
adv
- In a clumsy manner or way; without care or finesse, often hurriedly or awkwardly.e.g.“But, bowing with sketchily joined hands, they smiled their way clumsily out, down to the darkness.” — 1959, Anthony Burgess, Beds in the East (The Malayan Trilogy), published 1972, page 514:
Definitions & examples from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).
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