movingly

Movingly is an English adverb used to describe something done in a way that moves or stirs the emotions of an audience. It is typically applied to speeches, performances, writing, or scenes that aim to evoke a strong emotional response.

Origin and usage notes: Movingly is formed with the common adverbial suffix -ly, attached to a stem related to movement or emotional impact. It is a recognized, though relatively rare, descriptor in standard dictionaries. In contemporary writing, you may encounter it as a more explicit alternative to expressions like “emotionally moving,” “poignant,” or “touching.” Some style guides consider it a marked or literary choice, and many writers prefer more common adverbs such as “movingly” or “poignantly” depending on the context.

Typical contexts: The term frequently appears in literary criticism, film reviews, and formal narration. It conveys that the subject’s expression or portrayal achieves a tender, heartfelt, or morally resonant effect rather than simply being physically dynamic.

Examples: “The speech was movingly delivered.” “Her memoir recounts movingly the events of that year.” “The scene was movingly portrayed, highlighting the characters’ inner conflict.”

Relationship to related terms: Movingly shares meaning with synonyms such as moving, poignant, and touching, though it emphasizes the emotional impact in a performative or narrative presentation.

See also: moving, poignant, poignantly, touching.